NDMA issues alert as rains continue

PM directs authority to ensure relief, strengthen coordination

ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a flood alert for several parts of the country as rainfall was expected to continue until September 17.

The NDMA said rainfall in parts of G-B, K-P, Punjab and Balochistan could trigger flooding, while increased flows in rivers and streams were also expected in upper areas.

It warned that flash flooding could occur in G-B's Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ashkoman, Gupis-Yasin, Nagar, Hunza, Shimshal, Skardu and Shigar areas. In K-P, Upper Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Malakand, Kurram, Kohistan, Mohmand and Orakzai were also at risk of flooding.

The NDMA said flooding was expected in Zhob, Sherani and Musakhel in Balochistan, while urban flooding was possible in Islamabad and parts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sheikhupura. The authority said it had issued advance alerts to all relevant institutions and directed them to prepare for possible flooding.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), partly cloudy weather is expected in most districts of Sindh while rain-wind/thunderstorm (with isolated heavyfalls/hailstorm) is expected in southeastern areas like Tharparkar, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Mithi, Hyderabad, Nowshera Feroze, Tando Jam, Thatta, Karachi and surrounding areas on Tuesday (today).

The NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) was conducting advance assessments of potential risks and ensuring timely alerts for the public and relevant institutions, it said.

The NDMA advised people to avoid crossing rainwater channels, inundated roads, bridges and low-lying passages during heavy rainfall. It urged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for verified weather information, potential risks and safety measures.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed NDMA to use all available resources to provide assistance and relief to people affected by heavy rains and possible flooding during the ongoing monsoon season, according to a statement by the PMO.

During a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik in Islamabad, the prime minister was briefed on preparations to deal with heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

PM Shehbaz directed the relevant departments to ensure the flow of traffic on link roads and bridges during rainfall and strengthen coordination for the delivery of relief supplies. He also instructed the NDMA to maintain effective coordination with provincial authorities and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the PMO said.

The NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the expected trend of the ongoing monsoon season and overall preparations being made in coordination with the provinces and relevant institutions.