NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center has predicted a fresh westerly wave will arrive in the country on Tuesday, which may intensify rainfall activity in upper and central Pakistan till 10th of this month.
As a result, increased flows are expected in all major rivers, particularly the Jhelum and Chenab. River Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad is likely to experience medium to high flood levels, while River Jhelum and its tributaries upstream of Mangla may also reach high flood levels. River Kabul at Nowshera is expected to attain low flood levels. River Swat and Panjkora, along with associated streams and nullahs, may swell to medium flows due to persistent rainfall in their catchment areas.
Currently, Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, and Guddu Barrages are at low flood levels, but further increases in inflows and outflows may raise them to medium flood stages.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, River Hunza and River Shigar are expected to see increased flows, with potential localized flash floods in their tributaries including Hispar, Khunjerab, Shimshal, Braldu, Hushe, and Saltoro Rivers.
In Balochistan, stream networks in Musakhel, Sherani, Zhob, and Sibi districts are also likely to swell due to expected rainfall. Tarbela Dam is currently at 90 percent storage capacity, while Mangla Dam stands at 60 percent, with further increase in storage anticipated over the coming days.
NDMA urges residents living near rivers, streams, and nullahs to stay vigilant for sudden rises in water levels, especially at night and during periods of intense rainfall.
The public is advised to stay updated through official flood warnings via television, radio, mobile alerts and Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app. Communities in vulnerable areas should identify safe evacuation routes and keep emergency kits, dry food, clean drinking water, and essential medicines ready. Livestock, vehicles, and valuables should be moved to safer elevated locations.
Urban centers, particularly in northeastern and central Punjab, should ensure dewatering equipment is in place to address water accumulation due to heavy rainfall. The public is strongly advised to avoid crossing low bridges, causeways, and flooded roads, as even six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and 12 inches is enough to carry away most vehicles.
