Nationwide Alert Issued by NDMA: Heavy Rains and Flooding Expected

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released a nationwide alert, indicating the likelihood of substantial monsoon rains and potential flooding across various regions of Pakistan in the coming days.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has disseminated several impact-based weather alerts, anticipating widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms. These weather disturbances are expected to bring isolated heavy rainfall to numerous areas throughout Pakistan from June 29 to July 5.

The recent advisory from the NEOC at NDMA emphasizes the need for preventive actions against possible flash floods in mountainous terrains and urban inundation in major cities during the specified timeframe. Authorities are advised to maintain vigilance, and the public is urged to adhere to official instructions.

Regional Impacts
  • Punjab: Moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, is predicted for Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, and Lahore during this period.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Significant rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas, especially in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Kohat. There is also a warning for potential flash floods in the northern regions, including the Hazara and Malakand Divisions.
  • Potohar Region: Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad face a considerable risk of urban flooding, particularly at night between 9:00pm and 4:00am on June 29.
  • Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, and Badin are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from July 2 to 5. The advisory indicates that urban flooding is probable in these cities due to inadequate drainage systems.
Recent Casualties and Damages

A report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) indicates that at least 20 individuals have died in KP due to significant rainfall and landslides. The report also notes that 10 people were injured due to rain and flooding, with over 50 homes in Swat partially damaged and six completely destroyed.

Additionally, the disaster management authority in Punjab reported that 15 people have died in Punjab since Wednesday. Tragically, eight of these fatalities were children, who perished in wall and roof collapses during the heavy rainfall.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has cautioned that the risk of heavy rain and potential flash floods will persist until at least Tuesday.