ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday forecast “significant rainfall” in many regions of the country till July 9, warning the downpours could cause flash floods. 

Last week, the NDMA warned of heavy rains in Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab provinces, saying they could face an “emergency” situation. Pakistan is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects in the world. Unusually heavy rains in June 2022 triggered flash floods in many parts of the country, killing over 1,700 people, inflicting losses of around $30 billion, and affecting at least 30 million people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level committee to tackle any potential emergencies brought about by the monsoon floods. 

“NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) anticipated significant rainfall across various regions of Pakistan until 9th July, 2024,” the disaster management authority said. It added that the heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding and rapid rises in water levels in nullahs and trigger flash floods across northern Punjab (Sialkot), KP and Azad Kashmir. 

“Additionally, this precipitation is expected to result in high discharge levels within the eastern rivers,” the NDMA said. “Sutlej River is expected to experience a low flood stage with approximately 50,000 cusecs of water while Kabul River is predicted to reach a medium flood level with approximately 95,000 cusecs.”

The NDMA said extreme rainfall may also trigger additional releases from Indian reservoirs such as Salal, Bhakra, and Pong Dam, which could directly impact the Chenab and Sutlej rivers in Pakistan.

The NEOC predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in GB until July 8, 2024, warning it could trigger flash floods in local nullahs putting areas such as Chigar and Khaplu. 

“Slightly heavy rainfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, KPK, northern parts of Balochistan, and AJK until July 8, 2024,” the NDMA said. “The persistent heavy to moderate rains may cause localized landslides at Karakoram Highway along Hunza and some of the areas of District Nagar, Gilgit, Diamir, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, potentially disrupting traffic flows and cutting off far-flung areas from main roads.”

The disaster management authority warned authorities and masses to take all necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the floods and landslides. It said emergency response teams had been alerted and resources are being mobilized to ensure a “swift response” to any arising situations. 

“Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during the forecasted period,” the NDMA said.