- It is expected to bring moderately to heavy rain until July 10.
- Residents near Riverbank are encouraged to remain aware of rising waters.
- PM instructs provincial administration to create public attention.
National Emergency’s Operation Center (Neoc) issued a flood warning on Monday with a call for vulnerable citizens living near rivers and streams to remain vigilant and identify secure evacuation routes.
Neoc, which works under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), also advised them to move important items, vehicles and livestock to higher and safer places.
“Emergency kits, including food, drinking water and medical supply, must be prepared for at least three to five days,” Neoc said in a statement.
Neoc warned of weather and flood risk over the next 48 hours considering current monsoon activities. These weather conditions are expected to bring moderately to heavy rainfall until July 10, especially over larger river areas, with a high probability of both river and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has also required NDMA to remain on high alarm during this period as the recent monsoon rain and floods have taken at least 79 lives and wounded 140 people across the country.
Residents living near rivers, streams and nullahs have been asked to remain vigilant for sudden increases in the water level, especially at night or during periods of intense rainfall. The communities are also encouraged to stay informed through official flood alarms and weather warnings.
The disaster authority also requested district administration, especially in northeast and central Punjab, to ensure the availability and functionality of de-water pumps to cope with potential city’s floods.
According to Neoc’s prognosis, increased water currents are expected in all major rivers, including Kabul, Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
Currently, low flood levels are observed in Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma at the river Indus, while Taunsa is also expected to reach the low flood mark.
River Chenab probably experiences low flood levels at Marala and Khanki stations. River Kabul in Nowshera is expected to rise to low flood levels, while Swat and Panjkora rivers along with their associated streams and nullahs can swell due to rainfall in their drainage areas.
River Jhelum – along with his side elves – is expected to experience elevated influxes, resulting in localized flash floods. Inflowing by the short damp on the river Jhelum is expected to reach the low flood limit.
In the northeastern Punjab, Nullahs, originating in the Pir Panjal area, can experience significant increases in the water level, possibly reach medium flood intensity. Hill Torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts can again become active and generate medium to high currents.
In Balochistan, Nullah’s and seasonal streams in the northeastern districts – including Jhal Magsi, Kachi, Sibi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob and Musakhel – are probably also experiencing high currents.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the Hunza and Shigar rivers may see increased water discharge, with flash floods possible in their side elves-inclusive HISPAR, KNunjerab, Shimshal, Braldu, Hushe and Saltoro Rivers.
NDMA has asked citizens to follow official advisers, download and use Pakistan NDMA Disaster Alert app for timely updates and security guidance.
Ndma to be on ‘High Alert’
Separately instructed Prime Minister Shehbaz NDMA, rescue bodies and administrative authorities to remain on high alarms during the recent heavy rain and any emergencies.
In the event of possible flooding in areas along the Indus River and other rivers, the Prime Minister has instructed NDMA, rescue bodies and administrative bodies to immediately implement security measures and caution measures, says a press release issued by the PM office.
NDMA has also been asked to strengthen close coordination with provincial governments and other relevant institutions.
The Prime Minister instructed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to keep the public informed using all available funds, providing accurate and real -time information.
He expressed concern that the operation of the Tarbela Damment’s waste could increase the flood in the lower districts along the river Indus.
All provincial administrations have been instructed to continue effective public consciousness campaigns considering the potential flood situation.
The National Emergency Operations Center has also been instructed to identify and clarify through the media, the areas that are vulnerable or less protected where there is a risk of high, medium or low level flooding so that the public can be warned in a timely way.
The Prime Minister also ordered that provincial administrations must be fully prepared in advance for any situation and that NDMA should secure this emergency preparedness.
