NDMA warns of rising flood threat as Chenab flows swell

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority on Saturday warned that flood risks were increasing in several parts of the country as monsoon rains continued to raise water levels in rivers and streams, with the next 24 to 48 hours described as critical for some areas.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, medium-level flooding was recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River. The Palkhu Nullah at Wazirabad was also reported to be flowing at a medium flood level. Low-level flooding continued 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 Nullahs Aik and Palkhu.

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

Flash flood and urban flooding alerts

The NDMA warned of possible flash flooding over the next two days in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Balochistan. It also forecast urban flooding in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore as heavy monsoon rainfall persisted.

The authority directed relevant departments to keep vulnerable points under continuous watch, maintain emergency response teams on standby and ensure roads were reopened quickly in case of closures. It also advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-hit areas and asked motorists to check weather and road conditions before leaving.

The NDMA further cautioned that landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods remained a serious risk in mountainous areas during the monsoon season. In its public advisory, it said:

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

The authority also warned people not to cross flooded roads, streams or fast-moving water on foot or in vehicles, saying:

even shallow flowing water can sweep away people and vehicles

All provincial and district authorities have been placed on alert, while citizens were advised to follow updates through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for warnings and emergency information.

PMD issues separate flood outlook

The Pakistan Meteorological Department also issued flood-related warnings on X. In one update, it said most major rivers were flowing at normal to low flood levels, while the Chenab at Qadirabad and Chiniot was at medium flood level. In another post, the department said southeastern Sindh could face pluvial flooding in the next 24 to 36 hours, while flash flooding was expected in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan. The PMD also shared a weekly weather outlook with its flood bulletin.