NDMA issues alert amid downpour forecast

Islamabad : The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning to authorities to take necessary precautions to minimise the potential impacts of the imminent flooding and extreme weather conditions.

According to it, a monsoon system from the Arabian Sea is expected to affect the upper regions of the country from July 28 to 31, causing heavy rainfall.

The NDMA warned that the downpour could trigger landslides, mudslides, and falling boulders, potentially disrupting roads in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

It also said flash flooding may occur in local waterways, and hill torrents are expected in Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges, DG Khan, and Rajanpur.

The NDMA urged people to exercise caution, saying flash floods can strike suddenly. It said the residents of flood-prone areas should seek higher ground and avoid floodwaters.

The NDMA warned that even shallow moving water could be dangerous, and fast-flowing water could sweep away vehicles and make bridges hazardous.

It urged people to seek shelter in sturdy buildings like schools or government offices in case of heavy rains.

The NDMA has also launched a mobile app, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely updates, advisories, and guidelines about weather and natural calamities to the people.