The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the coming 72 hours. The alert highlights that intense precipitation in mountainous regions may cause rapid increases in river, stream, and seasonal nullah water levels.
Areas such as Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu, and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan are at risk of sudden flooding. In AJK, vulnerable districts include Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur, and Kotli. Meanwhile, KP districts like Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur may also face flash floods following heavy rains.
Urban flooding is anticipated in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi, and Mardan, with low-lying neighborhoods and connecting roads particularly susceptible to inundation. The NEOC has forecast increased water flow in major rivers including the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi during this period, with rising levels expected along adjoining streams and nullahs.
In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, rainfall could significantly elevate the flow of Nullah Lai, heightening flood risks in low-lying localities. Authorities have been urged to maintain vigilance and implement timely preventive measures to mitigate potential damage.
Special emphasis has been placed on preparedness in mountainous zones, where monsoon rains can swiftly trigger landslides, debris flows, and flash floods. Local administrations have been directed to pre-position essential supplies in vulnerable areas and ensure evacuation plans are ready for immediate deployment.
The NDMA has advised residents, tourists, and travelers in flood-prone regions to avoid riverbanks, streams, seasonal waterways, and other high-risk locations. Unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall periods should be avoided to reduce exposure to hazards.
The public has been cautioned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, nullahs, or fast-moving water on foot or by vehicle, as even shallow but swiftly flowing water can be powerful enough to sweep people and vehicles away. Travelers are encouraged to check updated weather forecasts and road conditions before departure and to comply strictly with road closures and safety advisories issued by authorities.
In a significant development, the NDMA continues to coordinate closely with relevant agencies, providing timely information, forecasts, and early warnings to support proactive responses and minimize flood impacts. The public is urged to monitor official weather updates and district administration instructions and to utilize the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for prompt alerts.
