The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Monday issued an alert warning of possible flash floods across northern areas over the next 48 hours due to forecast rains.
In a statement, the NEOC said that flash flooding is feared in several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar, following the expected rainfall.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan were among the areas where flooding was expected.
Several districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli, were also placed at risk.
It warned of possible flooding and high flows in streams and nullahs across the Potohar region, particularly Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum.
In Punjab, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha were among the areas where flooding was expected.
Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and other low-lying and urban areas were also vulnerable to flooding, the authority said.
The NDMA directed local administrations to preposition essential resources in vulnerable areas and complete arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents wherever required.
It advised people to avoid crossing flooded streams, submerged roads, bridges and areas with strong water currents, and to follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
Residents of flood-prone areas, tourists and travellers were urged to stay away from riverbanks and nullahs.
The authority warned that monsoon rains increased the risk of landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods in mountainous areas.
People are advised to check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys if heavy rain or other hazard warnings are issued.
The NDMA cautioned that even shallow-looking floodwater with a strong current could sweep away people and vehicles and should never be crossed on foot or by vehicle.
It also urged tourists to exercise extreme caution around seasonal streams, where water levels could rise suddenly during the monsoon. The authority asked the public to follow safety instructions and avoid travelling on roads closed by the administration.
The NDMA said it is maintaining continuous coordination with relevant institutions and providing timely information and alerts about potential hazards.
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