PM orders NDMA to complete flood relief arrangements in advance
Potential rainfall in country’s most areas over next 12–24 hour
Staff Report
BEIJING/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to complete in advance all arrangements for rescue and relief in view of rising water levels in the rivers.
He issued these directives from Beijing during a telephonic conversation with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General InamHaider Malik on Wednesday.
PM Shehbaz discussed the recent flood situation in the country with the NDMA chairman and asked him to expedite protective and relief activities in collaboration with the provincial governments. He said people be kept informed well in time regarding rising water levels in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers.
Malik briefed the Prime Minister about the prevailing flood situation and the rising water levels in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers as well as the relief activities.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a fresh weather advisory warning of potential rainfall across several regions of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours.
Rain alerts have been issued for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, with intermittent showers expected in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, and Abbottabad.
Authorities have cautioned against flash flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing streams, and landslides in hilly terrain.
Heavy rainfall is forecast in northeastern Punjab districts such as Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Jhelum, and Narowal, raising concerns over flood-like conditions in both urban and rural zones.
Light to moderate rain is expected in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalakot, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. These conditions may lead to falling trees, power outages, and hazardous travel, especially in mountainous areas.
The NDMA has urged residents, farmers, and local authorities in vulnerable regions to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures. The NEOC remains fully operational round-the-clock, monitoring developments and coordinating with relevant agencies.
Citizens are advised to follow official instructions and stay informed through reliable sources.
Furthermore, fata from the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) shows an exceptionally high flood level at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej (311,673 cusecs) and Sidhnai on the Ravi River (158,580) as of 6pm.
Meanwhile, a large quantity of water was recorded flowing through the Chenab River, with a very high flood detected at the Marala (492,083 cusecs) and Khankiheadworks (532,834 cusecs).
A medium flood was registered at the Guddu Barrage (354,224).
