LAHORE: Pakistan’s Met Office has issued a high flood alert for major rivers, warning that heavy rainfall expected between July 20 and July 24 could trigger dangerous flooding in several parts of the country.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), high flood levels are likely in the Chenab River at Maralla Headworks due to intense rainfall over India and Kashmir. Authorities have also warned of high flooding in the Jhelum River near the Mangla Dam, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert.
The FFD stated that rising water levels are also expected in the Kabul River and nearby nullahs. In addition, flooding is forecast in key drains connected to the Chenab and Jhelum river systems as rainfall intensifies during the coming days.
Flash floods are also likely in local streams and hill torrents across Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and northeastern Balochistan.
The weather department has further warned that persistent downpours could cause urban flooding in several major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad from July 20 to July 23.
Authorities have advised provincial disaster management agencies and local administrations to stay on high alert, monitor river conditions, and ensure emergency response teams are prepared for any flood-related incidents.
Residents living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas are encouraged to follow official weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and take precautionary measures to protect lives and property as the wet spell continues.
