Shehbaz directs flood readiness amid rains

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), rescue agencies, and authorities concerned to remain on high alert during the recent heavy rains and any potential emergency situations.

The directive came as the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA said that the moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, combined with a strong westerly wave, is expected to result in moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall until Thursday.

In anticipation of possible flooding in areas along the Indus and other rivers, the prime minister instructed the NDMA, rescue agencies, and administrative bodies to immediately implement safety measures and precautionary actions.

The NDMA was also ordered to strengthen coordination with the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), provincial governments and other relevant institutions for effectively dealing with the flood situation, a press statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

Furthermore, he directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to keep the public informed about accurate and real-time information. All provincial administrations were also directed to continue effective public awareness campaigns in view of the potential flood situation.

The NEOC of the NDMA has forecast moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall. saying that the moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, combined with a strong westerly wave, is expected to result in moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall until Thursday.

These weather conditions are likely to cause both riverine and flash flooding in various regions of the country. It said that increased water flows are expected in all major rivers including Kabul, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.

According to the NDMA, low flood levels are being observed currently at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma in the Indus river, while Taunsa is also expected to reach the low flood mark. Chenab River is likely to experience low flood levels at Marala and Khanki stations.

Kabul river at Nowshera is expected to rise to low flood levels, while Swat and Panjkora rivers, along with their associated streams and nullahs, may swell due to rainfall in their catchment areas.

Jhelum river, along with its tributaries, is expected to experience elevated inflows, resulting in localised flash floods. The inflows into Mangla Dam on Jhelum river are projected to reach the low flood limit.

In north-eastern Punjab, nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal range may experience significant increases in water levels, possibly reaching medium flood intensity. Hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts may once again become active, generating medium to high flows.

(With input from Radio Pakistan)