The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a 72-hour flood warning for parts of northern Pakistan, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The National Emergency Operations Centre has directed relevant authorities to remain on high alert and take precautionary steps in vulnerable areas.
Heavy rainfall in mountainous regions could rapidly raise water levels in rivers, streams and seasonal nullahs, while also increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and debris flows.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu and Shigar are among the areas that could experience sudden flooding.
In AJK, Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli have been identified as vulnerable.
Several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur, could also face flash flooding.
Urban flooding is possible in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan, particularly in low-lying areas and along vulnerable roads.
The NDMA expects increased flows in the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers over the next 72 hours.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad could also see a sharp rise in water levels in Nullah Lai, increasing the risk of flooding in nearby low-lying localities.
Authorities have been instructed to prepare emergency resources, maintain evacuation arrangements and take preventive measures in areas at risk.
The NDMA has urged residents and travellers to avoid riverbanks, streams, nullahs and other waterways during heavy rainfall. Unnecessary travel should also be avoided in vulnerable areas.
People have been warned not to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Travellers have also been advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling and follow closures and safety instructions issued by local administrations.
The NDMA said it is coordinating with relevant authorities to monitor the situation and provide early warnings.
Residents have been advised to follow official weather and district administration updates and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for timely warnings.
In an emergency, citizens can call 911 for assistance.
