NDMA issues alert for Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan
Water flow rises again in Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers
APP
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall across parts of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to an alert from the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), intermittent rainfall is forecast in the northeastern and southern districts of Punjab, including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Chiniot, and Sargodha.
Meanwhile, heavy and thunderous downpours are expected in Multan, Layyah, Khanewal, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanpur, Rajanpur, Liaqatpur, Zahir Pir, Sadiqabad, and Rahim Yar Khan. The NEOC has warned of urban flooding, overflowing streams, and landslides in hilly areas due to the intensity of the rainfall.
In Sindh, southern districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, affecting Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Mithi, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Adam, Hyderabad, Karachi, and surrounding areas.
Light, intermittent showers are forecast for upper and central Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Jamshoro, and nearby localities.
In Balochistan, several districts are expected to receive intermittent showers with thunderstorms, particularly in Zhob,
Loralai, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Sui, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, and Lasbela. The alert also notes the possibility of gusty winds and storms, which may lead to landslides, overflowing streams, and falling trees, potentially causing power outages.
Authorities have advised the public, especially travelers, to remain cautious and stay updated on weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the water level in the Ravi River has once again surged, with inflows reaching around 150,000 cusecs by late Sunday night, official source said.
In response to the fresh flood wave, authorities have decided to make major controlled breaches along the Jhang–Multan road.
Four to five breach points will be created between Haveli Koranga and Haji Dawana to divert water and minimize pressure on vulnerable embankments.
The Head Muhammad Wala Bridge has also been closed for all traffic as a precautionary measure.
At the same time, the Ravi recorded over 157,000 cusecs at Head Balloki and more than 110,000 cusecs at Head Sidhnai. Both points are now categorized under high-level flood.
The Chenab River has seen its flow rise to nearly 448,000 cusecs at Chiniot, posing a serious threat to low-lying areas along its course.
The Sutlej River too remains under high flood conditions, with water flows reaching more than 132,000 cusecs at Head Sulemanki.
Continuous monitoring was underway, while evacuation and rescue operations were being expanded in vulnerable districts to ensure the safety of local population.
