ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday forecasted heavy rains with landslides and flash floods for the northern areas of Pakistan from June 16 to 22.
The weather advisory stated that during this period, heavy rains could trigger landslides, road blockages, flash floods, and urban flooding in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan.
As per the press release, persistent rainfall is expected to increase the risk of landslides and debris flows in mountainous areas, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and upper KP.
Key routes, including the Karakoram Highway, may face disruptions due to landslides and falling rocks, the disaster management authority said.
While Jaglot, Skardu, Shigar, Hussainabad and surrounding localities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad, Kel, Sharda, and other areas of Azad Kashmir are declared highly vulnerable.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lower Chitral, Lower Kohistan, Abbottabad and Lora Gali have been flagged as potential landslide-prone zones.
Flash flood alert
The NEOC also warned of possible flash flooding between June 16 and 19 in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Balochistan due to widespread rainfall.
In Punjab, heavy downpours could cause surging flows in streams and nullahs across Murree, Galiyat and adjoining hilly regions, while low-lying areas may experience flash flooding and urban inundation.
Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to witness sudden rises in water levels in seasonal streams and waterways, it said.
“In southern districts, flash flood surges are expected around the Gomal River, while flood like conditions may develop along the Kurram and Tochi rivers in Lakki Marwat,” the NDMA added.
Moreover, the NDMA also alerted low-lying areas of Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Lakki Marwat for flash floods.
The NDMA warned that hill torrents and seasonal streams in Swat, Chitral, Shangla, Mingora and Upper Dir may overflow, while heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in Upper and Lower Kohistan, Battagram and Mansehra.
In Azad Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh and Rawalakot are at risk of localised flooding and rain-fed flash floods.
“Gilgit-Baltistan districts including Ghizer, Gupis-Yasin, Diamer, Skardu, Darel, Tangir and Gilgit may also face sudden flooding due to intense rainfall.”
Areas at risk of GLOF include Hassanabad, Shishper, Gulkin, Gulmit, Passu, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, and Shigar, the advisory said.
The authority also warned of possible landslides and closure of link roads in hilly areas due to rainfall and unstable conditions.
The authority has directed relevant departments to remain on high alert and advised tourists and travellers to check the weather and road conditions before travelling to northern areas.
