Pakistan disaster authority issues flash flood alert for northern Pakistan

PESHAWAR: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a “most immediate” flash flood advisory for the northern regions of Pakistan, warning of rising water levels in the River Kabul and its tributaries due to an incoming strong weather system.

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) at the NDMA identified a powerful “westerly wave” expected to grip the upper parts of the country and persist till Jan. 24.

According to the official advisory, the combination of moderate to heavy rainfall and significant snowfall is expected to cause a sharp rise in water flows between Jan. 22 and 23.

The advisory highlighted the following areas considered at high risk: Swat, Chitral, Buner, Shangla, Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Kolai-Palas and Kohistan districts in northeastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as well as high-altitude regions and valleys across Kashmir.

Experts at the Flood Forecasting Division warned that River Kabul and its associated streams — including the Panjkora, Swat, and Kalpani — could see sudden surges.

While the NDMA anticipates low to medium flows at Nowshera and downstream of the Tarbela Dam, the risk of localized flash flooding in mountain streams and low-lying areas remains high.

The NDMA urged the public, especially those living near riverbanks and streams, to exercise extreme caution. Key recommendations include avoiding unnecessary travel, while tourists and travelers are advised to check weather updates before heading to hilly areas, and to avoid parking or camping near water channels.

Additionally, the public has been asked to remain vigilant regarding loose structures such as billboards, solar panels and electrical poles, which may be vulnerable to strong winds.

Landslides and rockfalls are a significant threat in the upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Kashmir. Road blockages are highly likely during the peak of the wet spell.

The Provincial and District Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) have also been placed on high alert across the region.

Local administrations have been directed to ensure emergency personnel and heavy machinery are ready to clear potential road blockages and conduct evacuations if necessary.

In addition to the flood risk, the NDMA noted that the wet spell is expected to diminish persistent fog conditions in Punjab and Sindh, though temperatures across the country are predicted to drop significantly over the next 48 hours.