Weather alert: NDMA issues flood advisory ahead of new monsoon spell

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a warning in advance of the forecasted new monsoon spell in various regions of the country from Sunday.

The NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) requested citizens to exercise caution as heavy rains, thunderstorms, and possible flash floods are likely to hit multiple regions of the country from July 6 to 10 in the new monsoon spell.

Impact-based weather warnings issued by NEOC cautioned that forecast monsoon activity, along with a powerful westerly wave, can impact various parts of the nation from July 6 to 10, whereas northern regions experience a heightened risk of flash flooding from July 7 to 12.

Isolated thunderstorms and rain are anticipated in Islamabad and in Punjab, viz., Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, and surrounding areas from July 6 to 10.

Moderate to widespread rain is also anticipated over northern and central Punjab, whereas southern Punjab districts like Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan could see low to moderate rain.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected over Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu, and Kohat.

Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly evening and nighttime, with flash flood threat in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamir, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh. The conditions can cause flash flooding in local nullahs and streams, landsliding, road blockages, and power/communication disruption.

In Sindh, scattered to moderate rain is predicted in Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, and Mithi, with heavy rain predicted in Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu. These can lead to urban flooding, traffic jams, and infrastructure loss.

Balochistan will be receiving scattered to heavy rain in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela, and Naseerabad. Waterlogging, traffic inconvenience, and weakening of fragile constructions by strong wind and lightning are likely.

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The NDMA urged the public to exercise caution with measures such as staying indoors during peak weather, avoiding unnecessary journeys, and securing household goods and cars.

Visitors are urged to avoid traveling to high-altitude or flood-risk areas during this time. Local governments need to make response teams ready, clear blockages from drainage channels, and create awareness among the population.

Drivers are advised against driving over flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency response agencies stand ready for potential rescue and evacuation efforts.

The public is urged to remain informed through NDMA’s official bulletins and download the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for live weather updates, safety advice, and early warnings.