Chenab River Swells, NDMA Warns of Critical 48 Hours

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of increasing flood risk in 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 alerts issued for northern Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Dera Ghazi Khan hill torrents over the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the NDMA, medium level floods were recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on Chenab River, while the Palkhu Nullah in Wazirabad was also flowing at medium flood level.

Read: Chenab in heavy flood at Head Marala

Minor flooding persisted in 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. Minor flooding was also reported from Nullahs Aik and Palkhu.

The authority said water flows of Chenab River are expected to increase further during the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge.

Meanwhile, the water level at Trimmu Dam was also likely to reach average flood level during the same period.

The NDMA has warned of possible flash floods in the Dera Ghazi Khan hill streams, seasonal rivers of KP and parts of northern Balochistan during the next two days.

The authority said a risk of urban flooding was forecast for Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore as heavy monsoon rains continue.

It advises the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-affected areas and urges motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting off.

Learn more: Sindh ready to face the monsoon: Sharjeel

The NDMA has directed all relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, keep emergency response teams on standby and ensure immediate restoration of roads in case of closures.

The authority also warned that landslides, debris flows and flash floods remained “major threats in mountainous regions” during the monsoon season.

“Citizens are advised not to stop near river banks, steep slopes or narrow mountain passes vulnerable to rockfalls and landslides,” the NDMA stressed, adding that people should not cross flooded roads, streams or fast-moving water on foot or in vehicles because “even shallow water can wash away people and vehicles.”

He placed all provincial and district authorities on alert and advised citizens to stay informed through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely warnings and emergency information.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department also warned of rain flooding in a thread on X.

Another post shared on Southeast Sindh may face rain floods in the next 24 to 36 hours, while flash floods are expected in the torrents of DG Khan Hills and northeast Balochistan.

The post also shares the weekly weather outlook in the attachment.