ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert for severe rain and flood situation across the country until July 10.
According to a statement issued by the NDMA spokesperson, there is a risk of overflowing rivers and nullahs in Azad Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The statement said that in view of severe rain, there is a risk of flooding in Azad Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, and southern Balochistan.
Possibility of local floods
There is a risk of nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal range in northeastern Punjab overflowing, with a possibility of local floods, the statement added.
It further highlighted about the possibility of low-level floods at Marala and Qadirabad on the Chenab River.
An increase in the flow of the Kabul, Indus, Chenab, Swat, Panjkora, Chitral, Hunza rivers and other nullahs is expected.
In Azad Kashmir, there is a risk of sudden overflowing of the Jhelum River and its tributary nullahs. In Gilgit-Baltistan, a sudden increase in water levels in the Hunza River and local nullahs is possible.
Flooding may occur in nullahs originating from the Kirthar Range in southern Balochistan, especially in Awaran, Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Qila Saifullah, and Musa Khel.
The authorities have asked general public to avoid crossing nullahs, bridges, and submerged roads in case of strong currents.
In view of the potential flood situation, residents of low-lying areas should make prior arrangements to move valuable items and livestock to safe places, the advisory said.
Residents of vulnerable areas should prepare an emergency kit consisting of 3 to 5 days’ worth of food, water, and medicines for emergencies.
Local administration and relevant departments should keep necessary machinery and pumps ready for immediate drainage. Residents of flood-affected areas should stay informed of government warnings through TV and mobile alerts, the statement said.
Furthermore, the NDMA has issued instructions to all relevant departments to ensure that proactive measures are taken to deal with any emergency.
The public has also been advised to seek information from the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for awareness regarding weather and potential risks.
