Key points:

• NDMA warns of flash floods and urban flooding in Punjab, KP, and other regions due to monsoon rains from July 17 to 21.
• High rain accumulation is expected in Swat, Mingora, Mardan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot.
• The public advised to stay indoors during severe weather and avoid electrical poles and wires.
• Possible glacial lake outburst floods in KP and GB; local authorities directed to ensure preparedness.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert on Wednesday, warning of potential flash floods and urban flooding in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and other regions of Pakistan due to ongoing monsoon rains.

According to NDMA’s Emergencies Operation Centre, monsoon rains and thundershowers are expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, KP, and central and northeastern Punjab from July 17 to 21, with intermittent gaps. This weather pattern may lead to flash flooding and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.

The alert follows the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) forecast on Monday, which indicated that all four provinces, including AJK and Gilgit Baltistan (GB), will experience new spells of rain-wind and thundershowers influenced by the current weather system.

The NDMA has highlighted that regions such as Swat, Mingora, Battagram, Mardan, Swabi, Haripur, Abbottabad, Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, and Sialkot are likely to witness rain accumulation exceeding 50 millimeters during the monsoon spell. The authority emphasized the risk of strong winds and lightning strikes, urging relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and extreme weather.

The public has been advised to take safety measures, including staying indoors during severe weather, avoiding contact with electrical poles and wires, and preparing for possible flooding.

Additionally, the NDMA issued a warning a day earlier regarding possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the mountainous regions of KP and GB due to rising temperatures combined with expected heavy rains. Provincial disaster management authorities in KP and GB have been directed to coordinate with relevant departments to ensure readiness and effective emergency response measures.

To safeguard local communities, tourists, and travellers in at-risk areas, the authorities have been instructed to perform their designated duties diligently. Locals and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.