ISLAMABAD: In a warning issued on Monday, the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) has asked the authorities to maintain vigilance and adopt preemptive measures in light of the imminent threat of torrential monsoon rains, widespread flooding, and urban inundation in various regions of the country.
According to NEOC’s most recent alert, the localities of Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal are likely to receive further heavy downpours, magnifying the likelihood of substantial flooding in mighty rivers such as Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and their link canals. The possibility of urban flooding looms largely over the areas, including Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, and Gujranwala, while apprehensions persist regarding landslides in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
Meteorological forecasts anticipate moderate to heavy precipitation in Islamabad, Bannu, DI Khan, Swat, Balakot, Sibbi, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Kalat, Naseerabad, and Lasbela. Moreover, the NEOC has also foreseen rainfall in various districts of Sindh, including Karachi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Badin, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
In line with this urgent alert, the NEOC has asked for continual monitoring at Marala Headworks until the 20th of July, exercising utmost caution amid tumultuous weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported a moderate flood at Marala on the venerable Chenab River. Similarly, a moderate flood was registered in Shakargarh, while low-level flooding was recorded at Khanki and Qadirabad.
The PDMA has affirmed that water flow in other rivers, including the Ravi, currently maintains normalcy. Diligent scrutiny of water levels in all rivers, barrages, dams, and canals remains an ongoing commitment.
The situation across Punjab is being monitored from the provincial control room, ensuring prompt responses and well-coordinated efforts to address any potential challenges that may arise.
