Islamabad – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a flash flood alert as monsoon rains intensify across various regions of the country. The advisory warns of potential flooding in hilly and low-lying areas due to continued downpours, particularly in the upper and central parts of Pakistan.
According to PMD officials, the recent and forecasted spells of moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods in vulnerable areas, especially near seasonal streams and rivers in parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being closely monitored by both federal and provincial disaster management authorities.
In particular, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Abbottabad, and parts of southern KP have been identified as high-risk zones. In addition to urban flooding, rural areas near mountain ranges and nullahs (seasonal waterways) are also expected to experience water surges due to rapid runoff from higher altitudes.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged all local authorities to remain on alert and activate contingency plans. Rescue teams, machinery, and relief supplies have been pre-positioned in critical districts to respond to any emergency situations. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near rivers, canals, and low-lying bridges.
The PMD has also alerted residents in northern Balochistan and eastern Sindh to be prepared for potential flooding in normally dry riverbeds and streams. Poor drainage systems in urban areas could further worsen the situation, leading to road blockages, traffic disruption, and property damage.
Health departments have been instructed to be vigilant for waterborne diseases, which often surge during the monsoon season, especially in flood-hit regions. Public hospitals are advised to keep emergency supplies and staff ready to deal with any potential outbreak or casualty influx.
The government has also advised the agricultural sector to take precautionary measures to protect crops and livestock from water damage. Farmers in flood-prone areas have been asked to temporarily relocate cattle and safeguard stored grain from excess moisture.
The PMD’s monsoon outlook suggests that rainfall will continue intermittently through the coming week, with isolated heavy showers likely in the northern regions. The department has emphasized the importance of real-time updates and has encouraged the public to stay informed via official channels.
Emergency helplines have been activated in several districts, and authorities are coordinating with community volunteers to facilitate timely evacuations and deliver aid in case of flash floods.
The current monsoon activity underscores the pressing need for climate-resilient infrastructure, improved drainage, and public awareness to reduce the damage caused by seasonal flooding in Pakistan, which remains vulnerable to extreme weather events year after year.
