By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a fresh alert late Friday, warning of potential floods and flash floods in several regions across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan provinces from July 12 to July 17.
The alert comes as the death toll from monsoon-related incidents since late June climbed to 90, with three more children reported dead in Punjab on Friday.
The NDMA’s warning highlights the risk of medium to high flows in torrents and nullahs (stream beds) in districts such as DG Khan and Rajanpur in Punjab, where widespread rainfall is expected. Northeastern Punjab, particularly areas near the Pir Panjal range, may also see significant water level rises in local streams.
In KP, the Kabul River and its tributaries, including the Swat, Panjkora, and Kalpani nullahs, are expected to swell, with the River Kabul at Nowshera likely to reach low flood levels. Balochistan faces the possibility of flash flooding in streams and nullahs, especially those originating from the Kirthar Range, as isolated rains and thunderstorms are forecast from July 13 to July 17.
“Authorities are advised to ensure the readiness of emergency teams, availability of machinery, and clearance of drainage systems,” the NDMA stated in its alert. “Tourists should avoid high-altitude areas, while residents in vulnerable zones must secure valuables, vehicles, and livestock, and keep essential supplies.”
In Punjab, districts including Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Narowal, DG Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan are bracing for heavy rainfall. The NDMA cautioned that this could lead to urban flooding, prompting district administrations, especially in northeastern and central Punjab, to deploy dewatering equipment.
“Citizens are urged to avoid flooded roads, low bridges, and causeways,” the authority added. The province has already suffered the highest number of casualties this monsoon season, with 32 deaths reported, including the three children killed in rain-related incidents on Friday. The rising toll underscores the urgent need for preparedness as downpours continue to batter the region.
KP is also facing significant risks, with rainfall expected in Dir, Swat, Besham, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Malakand, Charsadda, Bannu, Buner, Swabi, and Waziristan. The anticipated downpours could cause the Swat and Panjkora rivers, along with their associated streams, to swell, raising concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas.
The Kabul River at Nowshera is expected to reach low flood levels, adding to the province’s challenges. KP has reported 30 deaths since late June, making it the second-hardest-hit region in the country. The NDMA’s warnings emphasize the need for vigilance as the weather system intensifies.
In Balochistan, an active weather system is likely to bring isolated rains and thunderstorms to Ziarat, Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, Surab, Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Awaran, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti, and surrounding areas from July 13 to July 17.
The NDMA warned of possible flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, particularly those fed by the Kirthar Range. The province has recorded 11 fatalities so far this monsoon season. ### A Nation Vulnerable to Climate Change Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is consistently ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
The nation is still recovering from the catastrophic floods of 2022, which affected 33 million people and killed more than 1,700. The current monsoon season has once again exposed the country’s susceptibility to extreme weather events, with authorities scrambling to prevent a repeat of the devastation. The national death toll reached 90 on Friday, with Punjab accounting for 32 fatalities, KP 30, Sindh 16, Balochistan 11, and one death reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Relief operations are ongoing in the affected areas, with authorities distributing tents, ration bags, blankets, sandbags, quilts, gas cylinders, mattresses, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, hygiene kits, and food packets to families in need.
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