The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert over expected rainfall and weather-related hazards across Pakistan’s upper regions from September 25 to 30.
According to the NDMA, the intensity of a westerly weather system is expected to increase on September 25 and 26, bringing thunderstorms and rain to upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad. Flash flooding is also possible in mountainous areas and seasonal streams.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Kolai Palas, Battagram and Mansehra have been identified as areas at risk of flooding. Several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir have also been placed on alert.
The NDMA said heavy rain and hailstorms could occur in parts of Potohar, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until September 30. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang are among the areas facing a risk of urban flooding.
The NDMA has directed relevant authorities to keep emergency response teams and essential resources ready and continuously monitor rainfall and water levels. Citizens have also been advised to avoid crossing streams, mountain torrents and water-covered roads.
