Flood alert issued as Chenab swells

PMD warns of more heavy rain across country

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WATERLOGGED: Rainwater accumulates on a low-lying street in Lahore, hampering the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. PHOTO: APP

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ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of rising flood risks across several parts of Pakistan as monsoon rains continue to swell rivers and streams, with medium level flooding reported at key points along the Chenab River and flash flood threats looming over northern Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan during the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to the NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), medium level flooding was recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River, while the Palkhu Nala at Wazirabad was also flowing at medium flood level.

Low level flooding persists at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River, Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River, Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River, and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Low flood conditions were also reported at Nala Aik and Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge.

The authority said water flows in the Chenab River are expected to increase further during the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also likely to rise to medium flood level during the same period.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of more heavy rain across parts of the country, with flash flooding and urban flooding likely in several areas as monsoon currents continue to penetrate southern and central regions.

The PMD issued a red warning for Saturday night and Sunday morning, cautioning that heavy rain could trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

Low-lying areas in Sindh, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Jhang and Faisalabad could also face urban flooding, the weather department warned.

Heavy rain, strong winds and lightning may damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles, billboards and other weak installations, it added.

The warning comes as a low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas continues to draw monsoon currents into southern and central parts of the country.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected at isolated places in Sindh, upper and central Punjab, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and northeastern and southern Balochistan on Saturday.