Heavy rains, cloudburst trigger flood fears across northern Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rains and a cloudburst have heightened flood fears across northern Pakistan, with authorities warning of possible flooding in rivers, streams and urban areas from July 19 to 23.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said heavy rainfall in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and upper Punjab from July 20 to 23, warning of possible floods and flash floods in vulnerable areas.

The authority said flood surges are expected in River Chenab near Marala and the upper reaches of River Jhelum near Mangla. High flows are also likely in River Kabul and its tributaries, with Nowshera expected to remain on high alert.

Rivers including Kabul, Panjkora, Swat and Chitral may witness increased water levels, while districts including Malakand, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra and Haripur face risks of heavy rains and flooding.

Urban flooding has also been predicted in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sheikhupura. Authorities have warned of possible flash floods in hill torrents and streams in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Mardan and Dera Ismail Khan.

The NDMA has directed relevant departments to remain alert and keep emergency machinery and rescue teams on standby. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from storm drains and flooded roads, while travellers and tourists have been urged to avoid mountainous and landslide-prone routes.

Meanwhile, a cloudburst in Neelum Valley’s Katha Peeran stream triggered severe flooding, according to rescue officials.

Several houses and shops located near the stream were washed away, raising fears of significant damage. Rescue teams have reached the site and relief operations are underway, with no loss of life reported so far.

The intense flooding also disrupted traffic flow on Shahrah-e-Neelum near Shah Kot, officials said.