Chenab river swells, NDMA warns of critical 48 hours

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of rising flood risk over several parts of Pakistan as monsoon rains continue to swell rivers and streams, with medium-level flooding reported at key points along the Chenab River and flash flood warnings issued for northern Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mountains in Khazi Mountain (KP4) above Dera Gha River (KP) 48 hours.

According to NDMA National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), medium level floods were recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot bridge on Chenab river while Palkhu Nullah at Wazirabad was also flowing at medium flood level.

Read: Chenab in high tide at Head Marala

Low-level flooding continued at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River; Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River; Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River; and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Low floods were also reported at Nullahs Aik and Palkhu.

The authority said water flows in the Chenab River were expected to rise further in the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge.

Meanwhile, the water level at Trimmu Barrage is also likely to rise to a medium flood level during the same period.

The NDMA warned of possible flooding in the hill streams of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in KP and parts of North Balochistan during the next two days.

The authority said risk of urban flooding was forecast for Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore as heavy monsoon rains continue.

It advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-affected areas and urged motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out.

Read more: Sindh prepared to face monsoon: Sharjeel

The NDMA directed all relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable places, keep emergency teams on standby and ensure immediate restoration of roads in case of closures.

The authority also warned that landslides, debris flows and flash floods remained “major threats in the mountainous areas” during the monsoon season.

“Citizens are advised not to stop near river banks, steep slopes or narrow mountain passes that are vulnerable to rockfalls and landslides,” the NDMA stressed, adding that people should not cross flooded roads, streams or fast-moving water on foot or in vehicles as “even low-flowing water can sweep people and vehicles away”.

It put all provincial and district authorities on alert and advised citizens to stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely warnings and emergency information.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department also warned of pluvial floods in a thread on X.

Another post shared on X said: “River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge in medium flood level. Southeast Sindh may face heavy flooding in next 24-36 hours while flash floods are expected in hill streams in DG Khan and Northeast Balochistan.”

The post also shared the weekly weather forecasts in the attached file.