The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), quoting the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), has warned of an increase in water flows in the country’s major rivers during August 8-9.

According to the latest NDMA update, low-level flooding has been recorded in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu, while water flows in the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, Kabul and Sutlej rivers remain normal.

The mountain torrents and nullahs of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are also flowing normally at present.

The NDMA said low-level flows are expected at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur on the Indus River, Marala on the Chenab River and Balloki on the Ravi River.

Low-level flows are also likely in the upper Jhelum River and around Mangla Dam and adjoining rivers, while similar conditions are expected in the Kabul River at Adizai.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, low-level flows have been reported in drains and rain-fed streams in Chitral, Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Shangla, Khyber, Orakzai, Kohat, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan. The areas face a risk of moderate flooding.

In Azad Kashmir, there is a risk of low to medium-level flash flooding in Bagh and Kotli.

The NDMA has also warned of low to medium-level flooding in Zhob, Musakhel, Kohlu, Barkhan and Dera Bugti in Balochistan.

In Punjab, mountain torrents and rain-fed streams in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur face a risk of low to medium-level flooding.

The authority has also warned of possible urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Lahore.

Water Storage in Dams

The NDMA also issued an update on water storage levels in the country’s major dams.

The water level at Tarbela Dam stands at 1,548 feet, with storage reaching 97.94 percent, compared with 95.98 percent during the same period last year.

At Mangla Dam, the water level is 1,205.2 feet, while storage stands at 62.99 percent, slightly higher than last year’s 62.80 percent.

The NDMA has directed local administrations to move necessary resources to vulnerable areas in advance and ensure arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents where required.

The public has been advised to avoid crossing floodwaters, flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways and to strictly follow traffic instructions issued by authorities.

Residents, tourists and travellers in flood-prone areas have been urged to stay away from rivers, streams and other watercourses.

The authority warned that the risk of landslides, debris flows and flash floods increases in hilly areas during the monsoon season.

People have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. Unnecessary travel should be avoided in areas where heavy rainfall or other hazards have been forecast.

The NDMA stressed that floodwaters should never be crossed on foot or by vehicle, as even apparently shallow but fast-moving water can sweep away people and vehicles.

It warned that rain-fed rivers and streams can experience sudden increases in water flow during the monsoon. Tourists and visitors have therefore been advised to exercise extreme caution near such watercourses, follow instructions issued by relevant authorities and avoid travelling on roads closed by the administration.