The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across multiple regions of Pakistan from August 23 to 30, urging authorities and the public to remain on high alert.
According to NEOC, three rain-bearing systems are expected to enter the country during this period, triggering widespread downpours, urban flooding in low-lying areas, and landslides in hilly terrain.
Northern and central Pakistan
Torrential rains with strong winds are forecast in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan between August 23 and 27.
Urban flooding is feared in major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, while landslides are likely in hilly areas.
Read: Avoid travel to hilly areas: NDMA
In Punjab, heavy showers are expected in Rawalpindi and surrounding districts, with hill torrents likely to swell in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and adjoining areas.
K-P will face intense downpours in Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, and the Hazara division, raising risks of flash floods and landslides.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts such as Gilgit, Skardu, and Hunza are likely to be affected, potentially disrupting road connectivity.
Sindh and Balochistan
Coastal Sindh districts, including Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar, along with interior regions, are forecast to receive heavy downpours from August 27 to 30.
In Balochistan, heavy rains and strong winds are expected. Intermittent showers are forecast in Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Musakhel, and Kohlu between August 24 to 25 and again from August 27 to 30.
Flash floods are feared in Dera Murad Jamali, Usta Muhammad, Awaran, Naseerabad, and Lehri.
River flows and flood threats
With reservoirs nearing full capacity, river levels are expected to rise sharply.
The Indus may surge to 500,000 cusecs at Taunsa, Guddu, and Kalabagh, while heavy rains could swell the Ravi and Chenab, threatening nearby settlements.
Public advisory
NDMA said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with provincial authorities.
All relevant institutions have been placed on high alert for rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone and hilly areas, and warned tourists against traveling to northern regions due to heightened risks of landslides and heavy rains.
