WEBDESK: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), rescue teams, and administrative departments to remain on high alert as flood risks increase due to heavy monsoon rains expected across Pakistan in the coming days.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that all necessary emergency measures must be taken without delay, especially in areas along the Indus River and its tributaries, where the flood risks are expected to be the highest.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for timely public awareness campaigns, close coordination between NDMA and provincial authorities, and fast, real-time communication of alerts. “All relevant institutions must ensure full preparedness and take every step to protect lives and infrastructure,” he directed.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas due to the expected opening of the Tarbela Dam spillways. He urged authorities to take precautionary action in downstream regions to reduce flood risks and safeguard vulnerable communities.
PDMA Punjab Issues High Alert for Major Rivers Amid flood risks
Following national instructions, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued flood warnings for the Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers, citing a high likelihood of flooding between 7 to 9 July.
Of particular concern is the Chenab River at Maralla Headworks, where the water level is expected to rise significantly. Drains near the Ravi and Chenab rivers may also overflow, adding to the flood risks in surrounding areas.
PDMA has also warned of:
- Flash floods in Rod Kohis (mountain streams) in Dera Ghazi Khan
- Urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot
Authorities including Rescue 1122, WASA, and local administrations have been directed to stay prepared, store fuel, and activate emergency plans. Evacuation of residents and livestock from riverbanks has also been ordered. “Ensure food, clean drinking water, and keep the public informed of changing conditions,” PDMA directed.
Heavy Rain and Storms Forecast Across Pakistan
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), widespread heavy rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms are likely across Pakistan from 6 to 10 July. The expected weather pattern increases flood risks in several provinces and hilly areas.
The most affected regions include:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
- Punjab
- Northeast and South Balochistan
- Southeast Sindh
- Islamabad and Kashmir
The PMD has issued alerts for possible flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Murree, Mansehra, Swat, Abbottabad, Dir, Kohistan, and Chitral. The department also warned of potential landslides in hilly areas, which could block roads and disrupt travel.
Low-lying urban areas such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, and Islamabad are particularly vulnerable to urban flooding.
Weather Forecasts Across Pakistan
According to the latest weather updates, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across various regions of Pakistan. In Punjab, areas likely to receive intense rainfall include Murree, Jhelum, Multan, Sahiwal, Lahore, and Bahawalpur. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the rain is forecasted for Swat, Shangla, Chitral, Kohat, Peshawar, and Abbottabad.
In Sindh, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Dadu, Sukkur, and Larkana may experience thunderstorms, while Karachi is expected to see light drizzle. In Balochistan, rainfall with thunder is likely in Quetta, Kalat, Zhob, Barkhan, Loralai, Dera Bugti, and Khuzdar. Meanwhile, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will face cloudy conditions accompanied by intermittent showers and gusty winds.
