The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent weather alert, warning of widespread rains, urban flooding, and landslides in multiple regions of Pakistan over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The alert follows forecasts of an intense monsoon system that may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the country from June 26 to 29.
According to the NDMA, urban areas of Sindh, Punjab, and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides. There is also a significant risk of flooding in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan due to continued rainfall and rising river levels.
Rain forecast and risk areas by region
Punjab and Islamabad:
Heavy rains with strong winds are expected in Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan. Urban flooding is feared in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan.
Sindh:
There's a risk of flooding in urban areas of Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Nawabshah, Larkana, and Sukkur. Heavy rainfall is also likely in Kashmore, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, and Badin.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
There is a high risk of flooding and landslides in upper KP, including Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Torrential rains and landslides are expected in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Hattian Bala.
Gilgit-Baltistan:
Heavy rain with gusty winds and storms is forecasted in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar. Flooding is feared in key rivers and adjoining areas, such as Hunza, Khunjerab, and Kulak rivers, as well as Chapursan and Shimshal Baraldo river areas.
The NDMA also cautioned that tourist destinations such as Karimabad, Nagar, and Gulmit could be impacted by floods and landslides in the coming days.
Public safety and govt action
The NDMA has directed provincial and district disaster management authorities to remain on high alert and immediately inform residents in vulnerable areas. Emergency response teams have been advised to stay prepared for rescue and relief operations.
Citizens are urged to:
-
Avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone and hilly areas
-
Stay away from weak infrastructure or under-construction buildings
-
Follow official advisories and weather updates
PDMA issues alert for Punjab, KP
Widespread monsoon rains lashed Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the past 24 hours, leaving at least four people dead and 19 others injured in rain-related incidents, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab.
In its latest damage assessment report, PDMA confirmed that two people died due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings in Okara and Bahawalnagar, while two others drowned in floodwaters in Jhelum. A total of 13 dilapidated and shabby houses were reported damaged due to the heavy downpours.
The authority said the monsoon spell is expected to continue till July 1, with more rainfall forecasted in several parts of the province.
Rainfall figures across Punjab
Significant rainfall was recorded in:
-
Faisalabad: 98mm in GMA Town, 91mm in Madina Town
-
Lahore: 50mm in Nishtar Town, 24mm at the airport, 15mm elsewhere
-
Kasur: 63mm
-
Sheikhupura: 50mm
-
Joharabad: 48mm
-
Sargodha: 45mm
-
Chakwal: 28mm
-
Chiniot: 22mm
-
Rawalpindi: 18mm
-
Narowal: 17mm
-
Attock: 12mm
-
Gujrat and Mianwali: 10mm each
Govt response and compensation
Following the directives of the Punjab chief minister, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia announced that the families of those affected would be compensated according to government policy. He also instructed local authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and urged citizens to take precautionary measures during the ongoing rain spell.
Glacier burst and flood risk alert in KP
Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PDMA has issued an urgent warning regarding torrential rains, potential glacier bursts, and subsequent flooding in the northern areas of the province. According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures are expected to rise further in the upper districts, increasing the risk of landslides, river flooding, and glacier outbursts from Thursday evening to July 1.
Also Read: At least seven dead, multiple injured as monsoon rains pound Punjab
The PDMA alert specifically mentions vulnerable regions, including
-
Upper and Lower Chitral
-
Upper Kohistan
-
Upper Dir
-
Swat
District administrations in these areas have been placed on high alert and instructed to take pre-emptive measures. Authorities have been directed to immediately inform local populations and prepare for any emergency.
Additionally, hailstorms are also predicted in some areas, which could further worsen the situation.
