The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned the relevant departments to take necessary steps to deal with likelihood of high floods in Rivers Jhelum and Chenab in the next couple of days. The NDMA in a situation report issued here on Thursday said that according to Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) forecast, "Widespread thunderstorms/ rains of moderate to heavy intensity with very heavy falls at scattered places are likely over the upper catchments of all major rivers along with Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore and Sahiwal divisions. Scattered thunderstorms/rains with isolated heavy falls are expected over East Balochistan and DG Khan Division."
It said that high to exceptionally high flood is likely in River Jhelum at Mangla upstream, high to very high flood is likely in River Chenab while medium to high flood is likely in Rivers Indus and Kabul. Medium to high flood is likely in River Ravi at Jassar along with hill torrents at DG Khan division. Furthermore, nullahs/tributaries of all rivers including Balochistan may also reach medium to high flood.
As monsoon rains continue to fall all over the country this week, citizens are facing major issues, including unannounced power outages and water clogged streets. According to NDMA, during current monsoon rains 55 people have died across the country of which 10 in Punjab, 13 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), 10 in Balochistan, and over 22 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The NDMA said that at least 51 persons have been injured in rain-related incidents including 25 in Punjab, 10 in Balochistan, 9 in KPK and 7 in AJ&K. The floods have also caused damage to at least 186 houses of which 9 are in Punjab, 27 in KPK and 150 are in AJ&K.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET) has predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorm on Friday in most parts of the country because of unusual weather developments on the east and west of the country. Meanwhile, hot and humid weather is expected to continue in south Punjab and most of Sindh.
Water level in various nullahs of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been on the rise due to continuous rain in the twin cities. Water level has risen by 8.30 feet in Nullah Lai. Under the Katariyan Bridge, the water level has risen by up to 7.5ft, while under the Gawalmandi Bridge the level has risen by six feet.
The water level in the PWD Nullah has also risen, causing water to enter the basements of various houses along its banks. The MET department has predicted that heavy rainfall to continue today (Friday).
The district administration claims to have a solid plan in case of a flood-like situation in the area. Rescue 1122, the army, the cantonment board and other departments have been put on alert.
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