NDMA warns of 'very heavy rainfall' in Punjab districts from Sept 1-3

Birds gather as a man inspects the remains of a damaged property after water levels receded along the right bank of the Ravi River, following recent floods caused by monsoon rains, in Lahore, Pakistan August 31, 2025. — Reuters

NDMA Alerts Pakistan of Intensified Flood Risk as Heavy Rains Loom

NDMA Issues Heavy Rain and Flood Warning for Punjab and AJK from September 1–3

Pakistan’s NDMA warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Punjab and Islamabad from Sept 1–3, with flash floods and river overflows likely. AJK faces landslide and flood risks.

Birds gather as a man inspects the remains of a damaged property after water levels receded along the right bank of the Ravi River, following recent floods caused by monsoon rains, in Lahore, Pakistan August 31, 2025. — ReutersThe National Disaster Management Authority on Sunday forecast...

As monsoon storms continue to batter Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is issuing urgent warnings. From September 1–3, several districts across Punjab and Islamabad are expected to face heavy to very heavy rainfall, significantly raising the risk of flash flooding, river overflow, and urban inundation.

The predicted deluge will likely impact dozens of areas—ranging from hilltops to plains—including Murree, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Gujrat, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan, alongside prominent cities like Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. River levels could swell rapidly, with authorities especially concerned about surges near Marala Headworks.

Why this warning matters:

Punjab is already grappling with devastating floods. In recent weeks, the province has witnessed its worst flooding in decades, displacing hundreds of thousands and destroying key agricultural zones. The NDMA’s new alert indicates that flooding could worsen in already impacted areas—while threatening new regions not yet hardened by recent storms.

In response, residents in low-lying and vulnerable zones are urged to stay vigilant, avoid crossing swollen streams or nullahs, and minimize travel. Local administrations have been instructed to prepare drainage systems, deploy pumps, and keep emergency machinery on standby.

Meanwhile, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the situation is equally precarious. The NDMA warns that Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Sharda, and Kotli may face floods or landslides due to intense, localized rainfall—particularly in areas vulnerable to glacial surges and urban flooding. Precautions are underway.

This new alert comes amidst one of the most destructive monsoon seasons Pakistan has faced. Since late June, floods and flash floods have claimed over 800 lives nationwide, with the death toll in Punjab alone surpassing 33, and more than 2 million people displaced.

To fight back, authorities are in full swing: emergency response teams are activated, evacuation centers and relief camps are operational, and authorities are monitoring river embankments and headworks around the clock. The NDMA's call for public awareness and readiness is both timely and indispensable.