Monsoon Mayhem Looms: NDMA Warns of Flash Floods | Danger Days Ahead: Monsoon Rains Could Trigger Flash Floods

Monsoon Threat: NDMA Warns of Flash Floods and Landslides

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning about potential flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and falling boulders in several regions, including upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), due to anticipated monsoon rains.

Starting July 27 and lasting until July 31, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to move into these upper areas of the country. The NDMA has instructed relevant departments to prepare for these conditions and take necessary precautions to manage the potential effects of the extreme weather.

In addition, isolated heavy showers are predicted for various cities in Sindh and Balochistan from July 29 to July 31. The NDMA’s advisory highlights that this rainfall may lead to significant water flow in local nullahs and could trigger hill torrents in the Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges, as well as in DG Khan and Rajanpur.

The authority warns that flash floods could occur suddenly and unexpectedly, posing a risk to safety. They advise the public to steer clear of flood waters, avoid flood-prone areas, and find safer locations if needed. Even a small amount of moving water can be dangerous—six inches can knock a person off their feet, and a foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Bridges can be particularly hazardous during floods, so it’s best to avoid crossing them if water is flowing quickly. The NDMA also cautions against staying in structurally weak buildings during these conditions.

Earlier this week, the NDMA's Emergency Operations Centre had also forecasted heavy rains and urged the public to take appropriate precautions to mitigate the risks of flooding and landslides. The advisory further warns of possible flood situations in urban areas, rising water levels in streams and rivers, and landslides in mountainous regions