Heavy rain alert: Flash floods feared across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) have issued a fresh alert over possible flash floods due to heavy rains expected across Pakistan till July 25.

Rain is likely in several parts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Chakwal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali. Authorities warn of a rise in water levels in northern rivers due to downpours.

Upper and plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to receive intermittent rain. There is a risk of flooding in River Kabul, Swat, Kalpani and Bara nullahs. Landslides are expected in mountainous regions.

Rain is expected in Barkhan, Sibi, Kohlu, Musakhel, Loralai, Dera Bugti, and nearby districts. Showers are also forecast in Naseerabad, Zhob, Quetta, Mastung, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela, and surrounding areas.

Karachi, Thatta, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Mithi, Tharparkar, Badin, Umerkot, Sukkur, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Larkana are likely to receive rain. Thunderstorms and strong winds are expected in Naushero Feroze, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may witness rain with strong winds and thunder. Rain is also likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Batgram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Shangla, Malakand, Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, Bajaur, and Mardan.

Showers with thunder are also expected in Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Kohat, Bannu, and Waziristan.

PDMA WARNS OF URBAN FLOODING

Urban flooding is feared in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and other major cities. DG PDMA Irfan Kathia said Punjab’s local administrations have been alerted.

Rivers and streams across Punjab may experience high flow.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert for flash floods and follow safety advisories.

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