Is Pakistan Facing a Flood Threat Due to Heavy Rainfall?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall continues to impact Pakistan.
- Flood alerts have been issued by the NDMA.
- Major rivers are expected to see rising water levels.
- Residents near water bodies should remain alert.
- Recent data shows significant loss of life and damage.
Islamabad, Aug 6 (NationPress) - As relentless monsoon rains continue to inundate Pakistan, the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood warning for various regions across the country, according to local media reports.
This alert comes as a potent monsoon system is forecasted to impact the upper and central areas of Pakistan from August 5-8.
Moreover, the combined effects of advancing monsoon currents and a westerly trough over northern Pakistan are anticipated to cause significant downpours during this timeframe.
Water levels are predicted to rise in all principal rivers of the nation, including the Indus, Chenab, and Ravi, with tributaries of Ravi and Chenab likely reaching medium flood stages.
Currently, the Tarbela, Guddu, and Sukkur Barrages are at low flood levels; however, ongoing rainfall could elevate Chashma and Taunsa to low flood statuses as well.
Additionally, the Kabul River at Nowshera, along with the Swat River and Panjkora, may see an uptick in water levels due to continuous rainfall in their catchment regions, as reported by The Express Tribune.
In Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, increased water flow in stream networks across the districts of Hunza, Shigar, and Ghanche could result in flash floods in their tributaries.
Current dam storage levels indicate that the Tarbela Reservoir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is at 94%, with water levels expected to rise amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
The NDMA has urged residents near rivers, streams, and nullahs to stay vigilant as water levels are likely to escalate, especially during nighttime and periods of intense rainfall.
According to recent NDMA data, torrential monsoon rainfall has led to at least 299 fatalities, including 140 children, and injured 715 others since June 26.
Among the injured are 239 children, 204 women, and 272 men, as per local media reports.
In total, 1,676 homes were damaged, and 428 livestock were lost due to the flash floods and heavy rains, which have wreaked havoc across various regions, significantly impacting local communities.