The National Disaster Management Authority has warned of possible flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods, landslides and debris flows in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab as monsoon rains and rising temperatures continue.
According to the NDMA alert, glacier and snowmelt is expected to increase in vulnerable mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir through Aug. 23, raising the risk of flash floods and debris flows.
The authority advised particular caution in Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondo, Tangir, Daril, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ganche, Kharmang, Neelum Valley and adjoining areas.
Several locations, including Badswat, Ishkoman, Hanarchi, Tarsat, Hundur, Altit, Chanter, Gopis, Yasin, Sost, Arundo, Roshan and Haks, have been identified as vulnerable.
Other sensitive areas include Chittiboi, Thalo-I and II, Reshwan, Breep, Boni, Sardar Gol, Lisht, Pindoro Chat, Khaplu, Haspar-Hopar, Gulman, Batura, Shaspar, Songhor and Shimshal.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre also issued a landslide alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that landslides and rockfalls could occur in vulnerable mountainous areas from Aug. 22 to 24.
In Hunza, Hassanabad, Murtazaabad, Attabad, Shishkat, Gulman, Gulmit, Ghulkin, Hussainabad, Passu and Khyber have been identified as vulnerable to landslides.
In Nagar, vulnerable locations include Hopar, Kanjukshal, Guttas, Sumayar, Miachar, Pisan, Minapin, Gulmit, Thul Nallah and Haspar.
Trushing, Rupal Valley and the Trishang-Rupal Road in Astore have also been declared landslide-sensitive, while the Raikot-Tato corridor and Fairy Meadows Road in Diamer are considered vulnerable.
The northern and northwestern slopes of Thalichi, Jallipur and Nanga Parbat have also been identified as sensitive, while sections RD-20 to RD-80 of the Skardu Road are considered particularly vulnerable.
The NDMA warned that landslides and rockfalls could block mountain roads, including sections of the Karakoram Highway, disrupt traffic and temporarily cut off communities.
Meanwhile, monsoon rains are expected to continue in upper parts of the country through Aug. 21, with thunderstorms and heavy rain possible in parts of Punjab.
The authority warned of possible flooding in Narowal, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura.
Urban flooding is also possible in Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Attock.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are also forecast in higher areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, potentially increasing water levels in rivers and triggering flash floods in hill torrents and streams.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, vulnerable districts include Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Bajaur, Malakand, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mohmand, Kurram, Hangu, South Waziristan, Karak and Lakki Marwat.
Tributaries of the Kabul River may also experience increased flows.
In Azad Kashmir, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Hattian, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber have been identified as vulnerable to flooding, while Hunza and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan are also considered at risk.
The NDMA said current monsoon conditions could increase flows in all major rivers.
Moderate flows are expected at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu on the Indus River, in the upper reaches of the Jhelum at Mangla and in the Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad.
Low to medium flows are expected in the Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai and in the Kabul River at Nowshera. Similar flows may occur in drains connected to the Ravi and Chenab rivers.
The NDMA directed relevant agencies to keep emergency teams and rescue resources ready and ensure that evacuation routes and safe locations are identified for vulnerable communities.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near glaciers, glacier-fed rivers, streams and other dangerous locations and to immediately report any unusual water flow or sudden rise in water levels.
People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to areas at risk of flooding, check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling and refrain from using roads closed by local authorities.
The NDMA warned people never to cross floodwater or fast-flowing streams on foot or in vehicles, noting that even apparently shallow water could be dangerous enough to sweep away people and vehicles.
Travellers in mountainous and tourist areas have been advised to remain away from fast-flowing water and carry drinking water, dry food, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a power bank and emergency contact numbers.
The authority urged the public to follow instructions issued by relevant agencies and take precautionary measures throughout the ongoing monsoon spell.
