TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued flood alerts as scattered wind, thunderstorm/rain with moderate to heavy falls and very heavy falls are expected at different places.

The NDMA has recommended that in view of ongoing monsoon spell and considering the weather forecast by Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), relevant stakeholders should remain on alert and ensure timely clearance of sewerage/drainage system in all major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan and Peshawar.

The relevant authorities should issue alert to people residing in/close to river plains/water courses; raise awareness to public with regards to vacating dangerous buildings, remaining away from electric wires and avoid swimming during rain especially in underpasses; and advise vulnerable population not to venture nullahs crossing/likely flash flooding routes.

Considering possibility of rains in DG Khan Division, vulnerable communities especially along hill torrents should be sensitized for requisite precautionary measures. Furthermore, NHA, FWO and C&W Department of respective provinces/regions have been advised to remain ready for restoring road linkages. The NIH/NHEPRN will advise all provincial health departments about pre-placement of necessary staff and medicines where required.

River Kabul at Nowshera is in low flood level. All the other major rivers are in the state of their normal flows. Low to medium level flooding is expected in the nullahs of Rivers Ravi and Chenab. Urban flooding is also expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Sargodha Divisions during next 72 hours, said the NDMA.

Significant rainfall was reported in many areas as follows: Brarkot, 92 mm; Rawalakot, 80 mm; Murree, 76 mm; Shamsabad, 77 mm; Sialkot, 66 mm; Kallar, 57 mm; Jhelum, 44mm; Mangla 43 mm; Sehrkakota, 43 mm; Rashidabad (Kalpani), 42 mm; and Hajira, 40 mm. The PMD forecast for next 24 hours predicted scattered wind thunderstorm/rain with moderate to heavy falls and one or two very heavy falls are expected over Sargodha, Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad Divisions. Scattered thunderstorm/rain with moderate to heavy falls at isolated places are expected over the upper catchments of all the major rivers along with Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, DI Khan, Kohat, Rawalpindi and DG Khan Divisions. Isolated thunderstorm/rain is expected over Balochistan Division & Northeast Balochistan. Wet spell is likely to continue, it predicted.

On July 25, 2018, due to sudden increase in local stream in district Rawalakot, one child drowned. The dead body has been recovered.

Flash flooding/landslides were reported on Wednesday last from different locations of Gilgit-Baltistan including: on Astore Road at Bulan, the blockage was cleared and opened for traffic by district administration. Luckily, no loss of life or injured was reported; in CMH Gamba area, district Skardu, 50 houses were vacated due to high risk, however, luckily, no loss of life or injured was reported in district Skardu, flash flood damaged two link bridges between Skardu and Chanda and Tandal Valleys; in Mayordu Nullah, district Karmang 15 houses were partially damaged and a few cattle were drowned in flood water. However, no other loss of life was reported.

Some roads are blocked in GB including Shimshal Valley Road at Phurjrik and road to Batswat village, tehsil Ishkoman, district Ghizer. Work is in progress to restore the roads by district administration. However, alternate route has been provided for small traffic. All other roads across the country are clear, said the NDMA.