ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert as heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible flash flooding are expected across parts of Pakistan through September 30.
According to the latest advisories, a westerly weather system is affecting the upper parts of the country, with rain and thunderstorms expected in Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s flood bulletin also forecasts rain-wind and thunderstorm activity over upper catchments through September 29.
Areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Battagram and Mansehra, along with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Murree, are among the areas expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, according to the reported alert.
The NDMA has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger sudden rises in water levels in mountainous areas and seasonal streams, increasing the risk of flash floods and urban flooding in vulnerable locations. The authority has placed relevant emergency arrangements on alert and advised authorities to monitor vulnerable water channels.
The NDMA has also advised citizens and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and stay away from rivers, streams and other potentially hazardous waterways.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to follow official weather and emergency advisories and take precautionary measures as the weather system continues to affect the upper regions.