NDMA warns of rising flood risks as Chenab sees medium-level flooding

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of rising flood risks across several parts of Pakistan as monsoon rains continued to swell rivers and streams, with medium-level flooding reported at key points along the Chenab River.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), medium-level flooding was recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River, while the Palkhu Nala at Wazirabad was also flowing at medium flood level.

Low-level flooding persists at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River, Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River, Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River, and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Low flood conditions were also reported at Nala Aik and Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge.

The authority said water flows in the Chenab River were expected to increase further over the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage were also likely to rise to the medium flood level during the same period.

The NDMA also warned of possible flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in KP and parts of northern Balochistan over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Urban flooding risks have also been forecast for Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore as heavy monsoon rains continue.

The authority advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-affected areas and urged motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.

The NDMA directed all relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, keep emergency response teams on standby and ensure the immediate restoration of roads in case of closures.

The authority also cautioned that landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods remained a major threat in mountainous regions during the monsoon season.

Citizens were advised not to stop near riverbanks, steep slopes or narrow mountain passages vulnerable to rockfalls and landslides.

People were also urged not to cross flooded roads, streams or fast-moving water on foot or in vehicles, with a warning that even shallow flowing water could sweep away people and vehicles.

The NDMA has placed all provincial and district authorities on alert and advised citizens to stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely warnings and emergency information. ...