Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent flood warning, urging residents near rivers and streams to prepare five-day emergency kits as monsoon rains, which have already claimed 79 lives and injured 140 across Pakistan, are expected to intensify until July 10.
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) under the NDMA advised vulnerable communities to stay alert for rising water levels, particularly at night, and to relocate essential items, vehicles, and livestock to higher ground. The NEOC emphasized preparing emergency kits with food, water, and medical supplies for at least three to five days. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast to trigger riverine and flash flooding in major river catchments, including the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Kabul rivers, with low flood levels already observed at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma on the Indus.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the NDMA and provincial administrations to remain on high alert, strengthen coordination, and launch public awareness campaigns. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was instructed to provide real-time updates, while northeastern and central Punjab districts were asked to ensure de-watering pumps are functional to combat potential urban flooding. In Balochistan, nullahs in districts like Jhal Magsi and Zhob may see high flows, while Gilgit-Baltistan’s Hunza and Shigar rivers face flash flood risks.
The NDMA highlighted specific risks, including low flood levels at Marala and Khanki on the Chenab, Nowshera on the Kabul, and Mangla Dam on the Jhelum. Hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are expected to swell, potentially reaching medium to high flows. Citizens are urged to follow official advisories and use the Pakistan NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely updates.
