NDMA predicts more rain and thunderstorms from July 28

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has directed all relevant departments to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate the possible impact of floods and extreme weather conditions as monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to enter the upper parts of the country from July 27 and are likely to continue till July 31.

Under the influence of this system, the disaster management authority added, rainfall may trigger landslides, mudslides or boulder falls, disrupting roads in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) during this period.

Meanwhile, locally heavy showers are expected in several cities in Sindh and Balochistan from July 29 to 31.

The NDMA advisory noted that rainfall may trigger flash floods in local nullahs while hill streams may occur in Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges. Similarly, hill streams are also likely to occur in DG Khan and Rajanpur areas, it added.

Authorities warned that flash floods could occur suddenly, catching people by surprise. They advised people to stay away from floodwaters and seek safety away from flood-prone areas.

“Even six inches of rushing water can knock you off your feet, and just a foot of rushing water can sweep a vehicle away. Bridges can be dangerous during flooding. Avoid crossing them when the water is flowing rapidly. Avoid staying in weak structures,” the advisory said.

In case of heavy rainfall, authorities advised to seek shelter in safe places, such as schools, government buildings or concrete buildings.

Earlier this week, the government agency’s emergency operations center had forecast heavy rainfall and advised the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible impact of flooding and landslides caused by the rainfall.

Warnings were also issued of flooding in several urban areas, rising water levels in streams and rivers and landslides in mountainous areas.