MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert following a new spell of rains that has intensified in Azad Kashmir.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the intensified rains can cause a flood situation on August 6 and 7.
Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli, Hattian Bala, Sudhanuti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur areas are likely to be affected the most.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, the recent and upcoming heavy rains have increased the chances of flooding in rivers and canals, water accumulation in bridges and low-lying areas, which is likely to disrupt transportation and cause loss of life. Citizens have been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel and be cautious.
According to the Meteorological Department, apart from Azad Kashmir, thunderstorms are also likely in various areas of upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Balochistan.
Intermittent rains are continuing in Muzaffarabad and its surroundings, which have affected the power supply in many areas.
Similarly, in mountainous areas like Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Murree, Galiat, and Abbottabad, the flow in rain drains is expected to increase due to heavy rain, while the risk of landslides has also been expressed.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the risk of high-level floods has increased in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, while medium-level floods have been predicted in Tarbela, Kalabagh, Taunsa, and Guddu Barrage. Spillways have been opened due to the increase in water level in Tarbela Dam, while the water level in Khanpur Dam is also continuously increasing.
On the other hand, the coastal areas of Sindh, including Karachi, have been predicted to remain partly cloudy and drizzle at some places. According to the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, there is a low-level flood in the Indus River at Guddu and Sukkur Barrage, while the rest of the rivers are flowing normally.
It should be noted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, taking notice of the recent flood situation in Islamabad, has directed the relevant agencies to take immediate steps. A special committee has also been formed to monitor rescue, drainage, and relief operations in the affected areas.
It should be remembered that 299 people have died across the country so far during the monsoon season that began on June 26, with the highest number of deaths occurring in Punjab (162), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (69), Sindh (28), Balochistan (20), and Gilgit-Baltistan (10).
