Authorities place emergency teams on standby as thunderstorms threaten vulnerable districts, low-lying areas
Flash floods caused an estimated Rs30billion in damages and killed at least 39 people across Gilgit-Baltistan in 2025. Photo: Express/file
ISLAMABAD:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued an alert over expected rainfall and weather-related hazards across the country’s upper regions from September 25 to 30, warning of possible flash floods in mountainous areas and urban flooding in several districts.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), a westerly weather system is expected to intensify on September 25 and 26, bringing thunderstorms and rainfall to parts of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Islamabad.
The anticipated rainfall could trigger flash floods in mountainous areas, as well as sudden rises in seasonal streams and nullahs, the alert said.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar have been identified as areas at risk. In AJK, Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhanoti may face flooding, while Swat, Bajaur, Lower and Upper Dir, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Battagram and Mansehra have been identified as vulnerable areas in K-P.
The NEOC said thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were also expected in parts of the Potohar region, Punjab and K-P through September 30, with hailstorms possible at some locations.
The weather system could cause urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang, among other areas.
Several other districts in K-P are also expected to receive heavy rainfall, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
The NDMA has directed relevant departments and local authorities to take advance measures to deal with possible flooding and other weather-related hazards.
Emergency response teams and essential resources have been ordered to remain on standby in potentially affected areas. Authorities have also been instructed to continuously monitor rainfall, water levels and conditions in rivers, streams and nullahs.
The NDMA advised the public to avoid crossing seasonal streams, mountain torrents and roads submerged by floodwater, warning that rapidly rising water levels could pose a serious danger.
Residents of low-lying and other vulnerable areas have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.
The authority also advised citizens to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for verified weather updates, information on potential hazards and guidance on precautionary measures.
