The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood and landslide alert ahead of a fresh monsoon spell expected from July 10 to 13, affecting large parts of Pakistan. The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) warned of potential flash floods, landslides, and overflowing streams in northern regions due to the incoming weather system.
Expected Rainfall and Affected Areas
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall are anticipated in parts of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad are also forecast to receive rain. On July 11 and 12, southern Punjab, upper Sindh, and parts of Balochistan are likely to experience thunderstorms and rainfall.
Potential Hazards and Duration
The NDMA warned that heavy downpours could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas, raise water levels in rivers and streams, and cause landslides that may block roads in mountainous regions. The risk of landslides will remain high in northern areas from July 11 to 13, while flood threats in mountainous parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir may persist from July 10 to 14. The authority also cautioned that rising temperatures combined with heavy rainfall could accelerate glacial melting, increasing the risk of debris flows and flash floods.
Vulnerable Regions and Advisories
Areas identified as vulnerable include parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Murree, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, as well as the Karakoram Highway, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Hunza-Gojal Road, and the Ghizer, Naltar, Bagrote, and Haramosh regions. The NDMA has advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous areas, stay updated on weather forecasts, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
