ISLAMABAD: Monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to penetrate central and southern regions of Pakistan and are likely to persist until August 3, 2024.
This weather system is anticipated to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to the upper catchment areas of western and eastern rivers across the country to August 4, 2024.
Flash flooding is expected in several areas, including northeastern parts of Punjab such as Deg, Basemter, and Bein nullahs of the River Ravi, as well as Aik and Palku areas in the Chenab catchment. Additionally, regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, and Bhimber, along with Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, and Malakand in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are also at risk.
Low to medium river flows are anticipated in the Jhelum upstream of Mangla, Kabul and its tributaries, and Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. The River Indus at Tarbela and hill torrents in DG Khan division are expected to experience low to medium flows, while increased flows are forecasted in the nullahs of Zhob.
Urban flooding is forecasted for northern and northeastern Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad, as well as southern parts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sanghar, S. Benazirabad, and Karachi.
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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued directives to relevant departments to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and extreme weather. The public is advised to avoid floodwaters and seek safe locations away from flood-prone areas. Even six inches of moving water can be dangerous, and one foot can sweep away vehicles. Bridges should be avoided if water flow is rapid, and weak structures should be avoided during intense rain.
To stay informed, the NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines.
