Islamabad:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), rescue cubicles and authorities concerned about remaining on high alarms during the recent heavy rain and any emergencies.
The Directive came as the National Emergency Center Center (Neoc) in NDMA said the humidity flow from Bengalbugten and the Arab Sea, combined with a strong western wave, is expected to result in moderately to heavy monsoon rainfall until Thursday.
In the event of possible floods in areas along the Indus and other rivers, the Prime Minister instructed NDMA, rescue bodies and administrative bodies to immediately implement security measures and precautions.
NDMA was also ordered to strengthen coordination with the provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs), provincial governments and other relevant institutions to effectively deal with the flood situation, a press declaration of the Prime Minister’s office said.
In addition, he instructed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to keep the public informed of accurate and real -time information. All provincial administrations were also instructed to continue effective public consciousness campaigns considering the potential flood situation.
NDMA’s Neoc has predicted moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall. To say that the humidity of the Bay and the Arabian Sea, combined with a strong Western wave, is expected to result in moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall until Thursday.
These weather conditions are likely to cause both river and flash flooding in different regions of the country. It said increased water flows are expected in all major rivers, including Kabul, Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
According to NDMA, low flood levels are currently observed on Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma in the River Indus, while Taunsa is also expected to reach the low flood mark. The Chenab River is likely to experience low flood levels at Marala and Khanki stations.
The Kabul River at Nowshera is expected to rise to low flood levels, while SWAT and Panjkora rivers along with their associated streams and nullahs can chop due to rainfall in their hinterland.
The Jhelum River is expected to experience elevated influxes together with its side elves, resulting in localized flash floods. The influx of the Marda Dam at the Jhelum River is expected to reach the low flood limit.
In northeastern Punjab, Nullahs, derived from the PIR Panjal series, can experience significant increases in the water level, possibly reaching medium flood intensity. Hill Torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts can again become active and generate medium to high currents.
(With input from Radio Pakistan)
