NDMA warns of flash flooding in upper Pakistan over next 48 hours

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent warning of potential flash flooding across various regions in northern and upper Pakistan within the next 48 hours. This alert comes as forecasted rainfall is expected to exacerbate river flows and increase the risk of flooding in numerous areas.

The NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre has identified Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the Potohar region as particularly vulnerable. Specific districts at risk include Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur, Kotli, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, and Sargodha.

The NDMA has advised local authorities to stockpile essential resources and facilitate safe evacuations if necessary. The public has been warned to steer clear of flooded roads, bridges, streams, and nullahs, and to heed any traffic advisories issued by authorities. Residents in flood-prone areas, along with tourists and travelers, are strongly cautioned against venturing near riverbanks, streams, and nullahs.

The NDMA emphasized the heightened risk of landslides, debris flows, and flash floods during the monsoon season, urging travelers to verify the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before embarking on journeys and to avoid unnecessary travel if severe weather is predicted. It is crucial to remember that crossing any body of water on foot or in a vehicle, even if it appears shallow, is extremely dangerous as the water can become incredibly swift and powerful, capable of sweeping away both people and vehicles.