NDMA warns of heavy monsoon rains, flood risks from today
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the seventh spell of monsoon rains will begin on August 15 and is expected to continue until August 22.
According to NDMA’s meteorological expert, Dr. Tayyab Shah, widespread heavy rainfall is forecast across the country during this period, potentially leading to flood-like situations in multiple regions.
The most affected areas are expected to be northeastern Punjab, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also predicted in southern Punjab, eastern Balochistan, and the eastern and southern parts of Sindh.
Dr. Shah noted that northeastern Punjab is likely to receive the highest amount of rainfall during this spell.
Currently, a low-pressure system is entering Pakistan from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India, while another rain-bearing system is moving into Sindh from the Indian state of Gujarat. These systems are expected to bring significant rainfall, increasing the risk of urban flooding and riverine floods in several districts.
According to NDMA forecasts, the River Sutlej may experience low-level flooding. Moderate-level flooding is expected at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad along the Chenab River. Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma are also at risk of low to moderate flooding. Additionally, southern Punjab and eastern Sindh, particularly urban areas, may face waterlogging and potential damage due to heavy downpours.
Dr. Shah further highlighted the situation in Pakistan’s northern regions, especially Gilgit-Baltistan and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where over 7,000 glaciers are located. Unusually high temperatures recorded this year have accelerated glacial melt, raising water levels in rivers and streams.
In response, the NDMA has issued a special alert for regions such as Shigar, Shyok, Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, and Ghizer, where rapid glacial melt may cause fast river flow and flash floods. Rivers in Khunjerab, Hunza, Shimal, and Saltoro are also vulnerable to high flows, while increasing discharge has been observed from glaciers in Chitral, Booni, and Rishain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The NDMA has issued advisories to all relevant authorities and urged the general public to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and avoid travelling to vulnerable or flood-prone areas during this period. In case of any emergency, citizens are advised to contact local disaster management authorities immediately.
