ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted the ninth spell of the monsoon in the 24 to 48 hours, with more rains expected in the upper parts of the country.
According to the NDMA, heavy downpours were recorded in Narowal, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore during the lst 24 hours.
Under this system, the NDMA said, rainfall is also expected in southern parts of the country, including South Punjab and Sindh, from September 6 onwards.
According to the NDMA, the coastal districts of Sindh including Badin, Sujawal, and Tharparkar, are likely to receive heavy rainfall as well.
Unusually high precipitation and increased river inflows have already caused flooding in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The NDMA said that between September 4 and 5, floodwaters from the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers are likely to converge at Panjnad, potentially creating severe flood conditions there.
According to the NDMA, vulnerable areas have been identified, and respective Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have been alerted.
Residents of sensitive zones have been advised to follow official instructions, ensure their safety, and avoid unnecessary travel.
The NDMA said that around 5,700 tons of relief goods have been delivered to flood-affected families, with government bodies, welfare organisations, and the Pakistan Army working jointly on relief efforts.
Flood alert for Chenab River
Meanwhile, the NDMA has issued an alert over the expected arrival of high flood peaks in the Chenab River.
“Continuous rains in the river’s upper catchment areas, along with water releases from dams in Indian held, have caused another flood wave moving from Marala towards Khanki, raising fears of inundation in adjoining areas.
At Marala Headworks, water inflow was recorded at 548,237 cusecs. The flood wave is expected to reach Khanki at 8pm tonight and Qadirabad by 3am, with flows likely to touch 550,000 cusecs, the NDMA said.
The floodwaters are forecast to reach Trimmu Headworks at 7am on September 8 with a flow of 330,000 cusecs, Panjnad on September 11 at 8pm with 264,000 cusecs, and Guddu Barrage on September 13 at 8pm with 217,000 cusecs.
Local and district administrations have been instructed to take immediate precautionary and relief measures.
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Low-lying and riverside settlements have been placed on high alert and advised to shift to safer areas.
The NDMA directed residents of Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu, Panjnad and Guddu to take precautionary measures.
The authority said it is in close coordination with civil and military institutions to ensure timely evacuation.
The NDMA also urged at-risk populations to cooperate with authorities during evacuations and strictly follow instructions for returning home from temporary camps.
Residents have been advised to comply with local administration guidelines, contact rescue teams in emergencies, avoid unnecessary travel, keep emergency kits (water, food, medicines) ready, and secure important documents.