NDMA Warns of Heavy Rain and Flash Floods Across Pakistan

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings for intense rainfall, flash flooding and rising river levels across several regions between July 19 and 23. The alert followed worsening weather conditions in northern Pakistan, where a cloudburst intensified concerns about damage to settlements, roads and other infrastructure near vulnerable waterways.

The authority expects heavy rain in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and upper Punjab from July 20 through July 23. Communities in mountainous districts, river corridors and low-lying urban areas have been advised to prepare for sudden changes in water levels and potentially dangerous travel conditions.

Flood surges may develop in the Chenab near Marala and in the upper Jhelum around Mangla, according to the warning. The Kabul River and its tributaries could also experience high flows, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance around Nowshera and other communities exposed to river flooding.

Water levels may rise in the Kabul, Panjkora, Swat and Chitral rivers as rainfall continues across northern catchment areas. Malakand, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra and Haripur are among the districts facing an increased risk of heavy downpours, overflowing streams, landslides and disruption to local transport networks.

The NDMA has also warned that urban flooding could affect Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sheikhupura. Intense rainfall over a short period can overwhelm drainage systems, submerge roads and underpasses, interrupt electricity supplies and leave motorists stranded in areas where water accumulates rapidly.

Officials directed disaster-response departments to remain on alert and ensure that emergency equipment, rescue personnel and other essential resources are ready for immediate deployment. Citizens were urged to avoid unnecessary journeys, keep away from storm drains and flooded roads, and follow instructions issued by local administrations and rescue agencies.

Travellers and tourists have been advised to postpone visits to mountainous and landslide-prone routes while the warning remains in effect. Roads in northern areas can become unsafe with little notice when falling rocks, damaged bridges, overflowing streams or debris flows block access between towns and tourist destinations.

The threat became more immediate after a cloudburst sent floodwater through the Katha Peeran stream in Neelum Valley. Rescue officials reported that several houses and shops located near the watercourse were swept away, while teams reached the affected area to begin relief and damage-assessment operations. No fatalities had been reported at the time of publication.

Flooding also disrupted movement along Shahrah-e-Neelum near Shah Kot, highlighting the potential for severe weather to isolate communities and delay emergency access. Authorities will continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and exposed settlements through July 23, with additional evacuations or travel restrictions possible if conditions deteriorate.