ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a flood alert Sunday as rising water levels in rivers, streams and storm drains increased the risk of flooding in several areas, with mountain regions and major cities facing possible low to medium level flooding.
The NDMA warned that areas including Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur could experience flooding in hill torrents and drainage channels due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels. The authority also identified seven major cities in Punjab, including Rawalpindi and Lahore, as areas facing potential low to medium level flood risks.
Flash flood threats were also reported in Bagh and Kotli districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where authorities are monitoring weather conditions and water flows.
The NDMA also shared updated information about water levels in Pakistan’s major reservoirs. Storage at Tarbela Dam reached 97.94%, with the water level recorded at 1,548 feet. The current storage level is slightly higher compared with the same period last year, when it stood at 95.98%.
At Mangla Dam, water storage was recorded at 62.99%, compared with 62.80% during the same period last year, according to the NDMA report.
The disaster management authority instructed local administrations to prepare emergency response plans and place rescue teams, equipment and other resources in vulnerable areas before any major flooding occurs.
The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and fast moving water channels. Tourists and travelers were also urged to stay away from riverbanks, streams and other waterways during periods of heavy rainfall.
The authority cautioned that attempting to cross rapidly flowing water by foot or vehicle could lead to dangerous situations. It also highlighted that rain fed streams and storm drains can fill quickly during monsoon rains, creating sudden flood risks.
