NDMA Warns of Severe Flooding Risk
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned on Thursday of a severe flash and urban flood situation over the next 24 to 72 hours, as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting authorities to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to protect vulnerable communities.
According to the latest alert issued by NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the ongoing wet spell is expected to affect the upper catchments of the country’s major rivers, with scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms carrying isolated heavy falls in parts of GB, KP and AJ&K over the next day, and continued rainfall activity likely in the upper catchments through the alert period. The Pakistan Meteorological Department also flagged the same window in a public advisory, cautioning that heavy rainfall from the night of 3 September through 5 September could bring urban flooding in low-lying areas, flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, and landslides in vulnerable hilly regions.
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Districts Facing Flash Flood Risk
Gilgit, Diamir, Ghizer, Gupis-Yasin, Tangir, Darel, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar were among the areas identified as facing low to medium risk of flash flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, vulnerable areas included Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhnoti, Mirpur and Kotli.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Malakand, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Kurram, Hangu, Kohat, Tank, North Waziristan, Karak, Lakki Marwat and D.I. Khan were also flagged as vulnerable to flash flooding following intense rainfall.
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Urban Flooding Warning for Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Swabi
The weather system could also trigger urban flooding in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan, with low-lying areas and connecting roads particularly at risk of inundation even where no river directly overflows.
Rivers and Nullah Lai Expected to Rise
NDMA said water flows in the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers were likely to rise during the alert period, with adjoining streams and nullahs, including seasonal waterways that are normally dry, expected to swell rapidly during periods of heavy rain.
The authority also warned of a possible surge in Nullah Lai following rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, directing the relevant departments to remain alert, particularly with regard to low-lying localities along its course.
Preparedness and Evacuation Measures
NDMA said emergency response teams were being kept ready and essential resources pre-positioned in flash-flood-prone areas as part of ongoing preparedness measures. Local administrations have been directed to keep evacuation plans and designated safe shelters ready for communities considered at risk of sudden flooding.
Authorities have also been instructed to restrict movement across flooded roads, bridges and low-water crossings and to issue timely traffic advisories, while maintaining continuous monitoring of rainfall intensity, stream flows, hill torrents and vulnerable catchments throughout the forecast period.
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Public Safety Advisory
The public has been advised to stay away from low-lying areas, rivers, streams, nullahs and seasonal waterways during severe weather, and to avoid unnecessary travel. Residents, tourists and travellers in flood-prone areas have been urged to keep away from riverbanks and fast-flowing water, particularly in mountainous parts of GB, AJ&K and upper KP, where seasonal streams can rise within minutes during heavy rainfall.
NDMA cautioned that floodwater should never be crossed on foot or by vehicle, warning that even water that appears shallow can be moving with enough force to sweep away people and vehicles. Travellers have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out and to avoid routes closed by the local administration.
How to Stay Updated
The authority said it continues to coordinate with relevant departments and is providing timely forecasts and early warnings to support a proactive response and limit the impact of possible flooding. The public has been advised to monitor official NDMA updates and district administration instructions, and to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for real-time alerts. In case of a flood emergency, citizens are advised to contact their local Rescue 1122 or district emergency helpline without delay.
Part of a Recurring Monsoon Pattern
This is the latest in a series of northern-areas alerts NDMA has issued since late August, with GB’s Diamir-Astore-Skardu corridor, AJ&K’s Jhelum valley districts and KP’s Swat-Kohistan-Mansehra belt repeatedly flagged as high-risk zones through the current monsoon spell.