PM asks NDMA to roll up sleeves amid rain forecast

Flash floods, heavy rain on horizon as monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal approach

ISLAMABAD:

As the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sounded the alarm on more rains, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to take all possible measures to protect lives and property amid heavy downpours across the country.

The prime minister instructed the NDMA to spring into action, supporting provincial governments as well as those of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

He also ordered the Islamabad city administration to ensure proper drainage of rainwater and facilitate residents.

PM Shehbaz stressed the need for constant monitoring, coordinated efforts, and evacuation from low-lying areas. He also emphasised the importance of deploying water pumps, medical staff, medicines, vaccines, and timely treatment.

The directives came as the NDMA issued an advisory stating that monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to affect central and southern parts of the country from July 27 to August 3, with heavy rainfall expected in the upper catchment areas of western and eastern rivers from July 28 to August 4.

"Flash flooding is expected in Northeastern parts of Punjab including Deg, Basemter and Bein nullahs of River Ravi, Aik & Palku areas in the catchment of Chenab, as well as Neelum Valley, Muzafarabad, Rawalkot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber of AJ&K, and Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, and Malakand of upper KP province," the NDMA said.

Low to medium-level flows are expected in rivers Jhelum upstream of Mangla, Kabul, and its tributaries, and in Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad.

Moreover, low to medium-level flows are predicted in the River Indus at Tarbela and hill torrents of DG Khan division, with increased flows expected in the Nullahs of Zhob.

Urban flooding is forecasted in Northern and Northeastern parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Gujrat, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, and surrounding areas. Southern parts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sanghar, S Benazirabad, and Karachi, also face urban flooding during the forecasted period.

The NDMA has instructed all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential effects of flooding and extreme weather.

Flash floods can strike suddenly, catching people off guard. Populations at risk are advised to avoid flood waters and seek safe locations. Even six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of water can sweep away a vehicle.

Bridges can be hazardous during floods, so avoid crossing them if water is flowing rapidly. Seek shelter in safe places such as schools, government buildings, or any sturdy structures during intense rain.

The Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, has been launched to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public.

More rains in Punjab

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that all rivers and streams in Punjab are experiencing normal water flow amid the ongoing monsoon rains.

According to the PDMA spokesperson, the water flow in dams and barrages is also stable. The current water level in Mangla Dam is at 58%, while Tarbela Dam is at 69%. Indian dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers have water levels up to 39%.

The monsoon rain pattern is expected to continue until July 31. The PDMA has forecasted more monsoon rains in most districts of Punjab over the next 24 hours. (With input from APP)