NDMA issues urban flood warning as more rains, thundershowers predicted

• NEOC issues multiple impact-based weather alerts.
• Rain, thundershowers expected from June 29 to July 5.
• 20 killed in recent rains, floods across KP.

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a countrywide alert warning of heavy monsoon rains and possible flooding in several regions of Pakistan over the next few days.

The NEOC has issued multiple impact-based weather alerts in view of expected widespread rain-wind/thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, across various regions of Pakistan from June 29 to July 5.

The fresh weather advisory, issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA, urged precautionary measures against potential flash floods in mountainous regions and urban flooding in major cities during this period, advising authorities to remain vigilant and public to follow official guidance.

In Punjab, moderate to heavy rainfall with wind and thunderstorms is expected in Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, and Lahore during the period.

The authority said that heavy showers may result in urban flooding in low-lying areas of central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Kohat cities.

NEOC has also cautioned against possible flash flooding in the northern parts including Hazara and Malakand Divisions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In the Potohar region, including Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, there is a high likelihood of urban flooding, especially during the nighttime hours from 9:00pm to 4:00am on June 29.

In Sindh, Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, and Badin are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 2 to 5.  “Urban flooding is likely in these cities due to poor drainage infrastructure,” the advisory said.

At least 20 people have been killed across KP amid heavy rainfall and landslides, according to a report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The PDMA report confirmed that another 10 people were injured due to rain and flooding, while over 50 homes in Swat were partially damaged and six destroyed.

As many as 15 people have also been killed in Punjab since Wednesday, the area’s disaster management authority said. Eight of the fatalities were children, who died when walls and roofs collapsed during heavy rain.

The PMD has also warned that the risk of heavy rain and possible flash floods will remain high until at least Tuesday.