Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected in several cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Muree, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Rawalpindi: Flash flooding possible in mountain areas as western weather system activiated
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert over the risk of flooding as heavy rain is expected across Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from September 25 to 30.
NDMA warned that thunderstorms and rain are expected in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Swat, Skardu, Bajaur, Bhakkar and Jhang, among other areas. The rainfall could lead to flooding in some locations.
The authority said the western weather system was expected to strengthen on September 25 and 26. The resulting rainfall could cause sudden rises in water levels in mountain areas and seasonal streams.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, flooding is possible in Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar. In Azad Kashmir, the areas at risk include Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhanoti.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the NDMA identified Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Kolai Palas, Battagram and Mansehra as areas where flooding could occur.
Until September 30, heavy thunderstorms and rain are expected across parts of the Potohar region, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Hail is also possible in some areas.
The NDMA warned that heavy rain could cause urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree and the Galiyat region.
Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah and Sialkot could also face urban flooding because of heavy rainfall. Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sargodha are also among the areas where heavy rain could cause flooding in urban locations.
The warning also covers Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang, along with several other areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain is expected in Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
The NDMA has directed the relevant authorities to make advance preparations for possible flooding and other weather-related risks. Emergency response teams and essential resources have been ordered to remain ready in advance.
The authority also urged the public to avoid crossing seasonal streams, mountain waterways and roads covered by floodwater. People living in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow safety measures.
