The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a warning on Saturday about increasing flood risks in various regions of Pakistan as ongoing monsoon rains continue to raise water levels in rivers and streams nationwide.
Medium-level flooding has been observed at several critical points along the Chenab River, including Khanki, Qadirabad, and Chiniot Bridge. The Palkhu Nala near Wazirabad is also experiencing medium flood conditions. Meanwhile, low-level flooding remains at locations such as Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa on the Indus River; Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River; Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River; and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Additionally, low flood conditions persist at Nala Aik and the Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge.
The NDMA forecasts that water levels in the Chenab River will rise further within the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, and Chiniot Bridge. Similarly, water at Trimmu Barrage is expected to reach medium flood levels during this period.
In a significant development, the authority highlighted the risk of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of northern Balochistan over the coming 24 to 48 hours. Urban flooding threats have also been predicted for cities including Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad, and Lahore as heavy monsoon rainfall persists.
The NDMA urged the public to avoid non-essential travel to flood-affected areas and advised motorists to consult weather updates and road conditions before embarking on journeys. It has instructed all relevant agencies to maintain vigilant monitoring of vulnerable sites, keep emergency response teams ready, and ensure swift reopening of roads if closures occur.
Further caution was issued regarding the ongoing threat of landslides, debris flows, and sudden flash floods in mountainous regions during the monsoon season. Citizens were advised to steer clear of riverbanks, steep slopes, and narrow mountain passages prone to rockfalls and landslides. The authority emphasized the dangers of attempting to cross flooded roads, streams, or swiftly moving water, warning that even shallow water can be powerful enough to sweep away people and vehicles.
