High alert: Heavy rains, floods forecast across Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab have issued urgent alerts ahead of heavy monsoon rains, warning of landslides, flooding, and widespread disruption across various regions of Pakistan from July 13 to 17.

According to the NDMA, landslides are expected in northern and mountainous regions, particularly in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, and Shigar. Southern and central parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh, have also been placed on alert.

Critical road infrastructure is at risk as well. The NDMA reports potential landslides on Gilgit Road, Nagar Road, Karakoram Highway, and Jaglot-Skardu Road, especially in areas near Rundu. Parts of Upper Kohistan, Diamer, and Astore Road may also be impacted.

Local administrations have been directed to stay on high alert and prepare for road closures, evacuations, and relief efforts.

Flood alerts issued for rivers and dams

The NDMA’s latest monsoon report also indicates a rise in water levels across major rivers and reservoirs:

Moderate flooding is expected at Kala Bagh and Chashma barrages on the Indus River.
Water flow is expected to increase in rivers Kabul, Sindh, Chenab and Jhelum.
Light flooding is forecast at Tarbela, Taunsa, and Guddu Barrage as well as Marala, Khanki (Chenab River) and Nowshera (Kabul River).
Rivers such as Swat, Panjkora, and their adjoining canals are also under flood threat.
Tarbela Dam is currently at 74% capacity, while Mangla Dam is at 44%, with inflows rising due to persistent rain.
Mountainous drains in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Balochistan districts like Jhal Magsi, Sibi, Zhob, and Musakhel are likely to overflow.
Local flash floods are expected in Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela and Kalat areas of Balochistan.

Also Read: Heavy rain alert: Flood, landslide risk in Pakistan from July 14–17

The NDMA has strongly urged residents near rivers, canals, and mountain streams to exercise extreme caution, particularly during nighttime downpours. People are advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges, or riverbanks under any circumstances.

PDMA Punjab issues urban flooding warning

Meanwhile, the PDMA Punjab has issued a monsoon alert for the third spell of rains, forecasting strong winds and showers across most districts of the province through July 17. Districts likely to be affected include Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, and Faisalabad.

Urban flooding threats loom large in Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned. He confirmed that all commissioners and deputy commissioners have been instructed to remain on alert, and flood response arrangements have been finalized.

An alert has also been issued regarding moderate flood levels at Chashma on the Indus River as the water level is said to be rising. Commissioners in Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions, along with deputy commissioners of Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, have been put on notice.

Monsoon toll and damage report

A fact sheet released by PDMA Punjab has revealed that this year’s monsoon rains have claimed 39 lives and injured 103 so far. Among the deceased were 20 children and five women. The leading causes of death included: