The Natural Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a severe weather alert, forecasting heavy rainfall and potential flooding across various regions of Pakistan from August 23 to 30.
The NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) reports that three rain-bearing systems are expected to enter the country during this period, significantly increasing the risk of widespread downpours and flooding in vulnerable areas.
From August 23 to 25, torrential rains and strong winds are anticipated in Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, with urban flooding likely in low-lying areas and landslides expected in hilly terrains.
Northeastern Punjab districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin are forecast to experience heavy rainfall.
Urban flooding is also a concern in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Narowal, Talagang and Chakwal.
In southern Punjab, hill torrents may swell in Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan and Rajanpur due to anticipated heavy water flow.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to face intense rainfall from August 23 to 27, raising the risk of flash floods in streams and landslides in mountainous regions.
Areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Malakand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan are particularly at risk.
In Azad Kashmir, rainfall may lead to landslides and flooding in Muzaffarabad, Rawalkot, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to experience heavy rains from August 23 to 27, resulting in flooding and landslides that could disrupt road connectivity.
From August 27 to 30, coastal districts in Sindh, including Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin and Tharparkar, are expected to receive significant rainfall.
Interior Sindh, encompassing Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Nawabshah, Dadu, Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Khashmore and Shaheed Benazirabad, is also forecasted to see widespread rainfall.
In Balochistan, heavy rains and strong winds are likely to hit Lasbela, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kalat, Gwadar, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, with intermittent showers expected in Quetta and surrounding areas.
Flooding is feared in several regions due to anticipated heavy water flow.
As reservoirs approach full capacity, river flows are expected to rise significantly, with the Indus River potentially reaching 500,000 cusecs at Taunsa, Guddu, and Kalabagh.
The NDMA is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating relief operations, urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures.
Authorities have advised tourists to avoid travel to northern areas due to the heightened risk of heavy rainfall and landslides.