NDMA warns of rising river flows, flash floods from July 31 to August 2

The National Disaster Management Authority has warned of a significant increase in river flows, flash flooding and urban inundation across several parts of Pakistan from July 31 to August 2.

According to an NDMA alert, a medium-level flood situation persists in the Indus River at Guddu, while low flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma and Sukkur.

The authority said medium to high flows were likely in the Chenab River at Marala, with low to medium flows expected at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels may also rise in the Jhelum, Ravi, Kabul and adjoining rivers and streams.

A sharp increase in water flow is expected in the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers, prompting authorities to direct the relevant district administrations to take preventive measures.

The NDMA warned of severe flows in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, while flash floods could affect several rain-fed rivers and streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.

Flooding is possible in rivers and streams in Mohmand, Bajaur, Buner, Mardan, Kurram, South Waziristan, Shangla and Peshawar. The Nari, Bolan, Kangri and Lehri rivers in northern Balochistan may also experience flooding.

The alert said heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding and inundation of low-lying areas in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.

In Sindh, urban flooding and waterlogging are possible in Nawabshah, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar and Tharparkar.

Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda and Mardan may also face urban flooding.

The NDMA advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to areas vulnerable to flooding and to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.

It warned that the risk of landslides, debris flows and flash floods increases in mountainous regions during the monsoon season.

People were urged never to cross floodwater or fast-flowing streams on foot or in vehicles, as even apparently shallow water could sweep away people and vehicles.

Tourists were advised to remain cautious near rain-fed rivers and streams, where water levels may rise suddenly, and to stay away from fast-moving water.

Travellers were also advised to carry drinking water, dry food, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a power bank and emergency contact numbers.

The authority urged the public to follow official instructions and completely avoid roads closed by the administration.

Reporter: Rozina Ali