Pakistan has been placed on high alert after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) forecast a fresh spell of heavy rains beginning August 29 and continuing until September 2, raising fears of intensified floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst events in multiple regions.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, widespread thundershowers are expected across the country. Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience particularly heavy downpours, while mountainous districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as Chitral, Swat, Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Buner face high risks of landslides and glacial lake bursts. Low-lying areas in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, DI Khan, Kohat, and Bannu have also been identified as vulnerable.
Punjab is also bracing for widespread flooding. Northern and northeastern districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, and Jhelum are forecast to receive torrential rains between August 30 and 31, which could trigger urban flooding. Central and southern Punjab districts such as Multan, DG Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Layyah are also on alert for possible inundation.
The NDMA has specifically warned of a sharp rise in water levels in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers. At Trimmu Barrage, flows of up to 800,000 cusecs are expected by August 31, threatening Jhang, Chiniot, and parts of Sahiwal. Authorities anticipate that floodwaters will reach Panjnad by September 3 with flows nearing 700,000 cusecs.
Evacuation orders have already been issued in Multan, Chiniot, Bahawalpur, Hafizabad, and Panjnad. Meanwhile, at Balloki Barrage, the Ravi River is expected to swell to 200,000 cusecs, placing Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and adjacent low-lying localities under serious threat.
Sindh is also bracing for a dangerous spell of rains, with urban flooding expected in Karachi and surrounding districts from August 30 to September 2. Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Kashmore, and Larkana have also been identified as at-risk zones. In Balochistan, districts such as Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Khuzdar, and Lasbela are expected to witness flooding in low-lying areas.
Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia described the unfolding disaster as the “worst flood in four decades,” confirming that at least 17 lives have been lost and more than 1,600 villages submerged so far.
The Pakistan Army has been deployed in nine districts to assist with rescue and relief efforts, while NDMA and PDMA have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately.
Both authorities have also issued warnings to tourists, advising them to avoid northern areas due to the threat of landslides and road closures. Officials stressed that the next few hours are critical, with all relevant agencies on high alert and monitoring the situation continuously.
