ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning about heavy rain in the upper catchment areas of the Jhelum River, which can cause flooding and landslides in Azad Kashmir.
The authority added that the current weather system is active over the upper catchments of the Jhelum and is expected to enter Pakistan by August 19, which will persist till September 2, it added.
In this regard, the authority stated that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected from August 29 to September 2 in the region.
“Due to this, there is a risk of flood situations and landslides in Kotli, Bagh, Mirpur, Poonch, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, and adjacent areas,” the NDMA said.
The authority stated the risk of flooding in localized urban and low-lying areas, especially in poorly drained regions. The weather system can increase the chances of landslides and flash flooding in hilly areas.
“Strong winds and thunderstorms might knock down weak trees and cause short-term power cuts,” alerted NDMA. “Rain and dust can make it hard to see while driving, which may lead to more road accidents.”
The development came amidst the recent monsoon floods, causing catastrophe across the country. The NDMA reported that 14 people have been killed and four others injured today. Out of those, 13 were killed in Punjab, while one died in AJK.
Since June 26, 819 people have been killed, including 28 in Azad Kashmir, and 1,111 have been injured during the monsoon season.
