WEBDESK: Pakistan weather update: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned that heavy weather conditions are likely to hit greater chunks of Pakistan between July 2 and 8.
The NDMA has instructed individuals situated in the susceptible places to be prepared and not to be in unnecessary motion until the end of this period.
The advisory, based on alerts issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), outlines a number of risks linked to an active monsoon system entering the region, which is combining with a westerly wave.
As a result, moderate to heavy rainfall, localised thunderstorms, and potentially dangerous flooding are expected.
In its statement, the NDMA said the current rain pattern, which ranges from light to moderate in some areas, is likely to persist until July 5.
However, with moist air continuing to enter the region and temperatures remaining high, the risk of sudden flooding events is increasing, especially in northern and mountainous areas.
A rise in river flows is expected due to increased rainfall and snowmelt.
In the upper catchments of Pakistan’s major rivers, particularly in central and lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and northeast Punjab including Lahore, heavy water inflows may cause riverine flooding.
The water level in the Kabul River would increase due to the tributaries of the river at Nowshera such as Swat, Panjkora, Kalpani Nullah and Bara rivers and may cause low-level floods in the surrounding localities.
In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and adjacent areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), glaciers are rapidly melting as a result of the continued high temperatures thus causing an increasing concern of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
This, combined with expected rainfall, may result in sudden floods, landslides, blocked roads, and disruptions to travel and infrastructure in high-altitude areas.
Urban flooding is another looming danger. In cities like Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal, low-lying areas may see waterlogging due to overflowing of local nullahs such as the Aik, Deg, Bein, Basantar, and Palku.
In DG Khan and Rajanpur, hill torrents could also lead to localised flooding.
In response, the NDMA has called on local authorities to stay ready. Municipal and district administrations are being directed to clear stormwater drains, inspect the condition of nullahs, and maintain emergency teams’ readiness.
The motorists are admonished against driving into submerged roads and underpasses even the slightest water can be tricky.
Visitors are particularly advised against visiting glacial or high-altitude regimes during this period because conditions can change drastically with little or no warning.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been encouraged to safeguard their valuables, adhere to directives, and plan a probable evacuation.
The NDMA emphasised that being informed using official sources and early warnings.
Read more: Pakistan weather update: Heat, humidity to persist; patchy rain expected
