The recent spring rains have elevated the risk of flooding in several provinces of Pakistan, prompting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue directives for heightened vigilance. In a statement, the NDMA spokesperson warned of potential flooding in various districts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Punjab due to the ongoing rainfall. The affected areas include Kech, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Awaran districts in Balochistan; Malakand, Swabi, Kohistan, Mardan, Shangla, Charsadda, Swat, and Nowshera in K-P; and Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts in Punjab. Furthermore, the NDMA indicated the possibility of further rainfall and hailstorms in selected areas of Balochistan, K-P, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir from April 25 to 29.
District administrations, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and other relevant agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert to respond to any emergency situations arising from the inclement weather.
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The heavy rains have already taken a toll on K-P, resulting in the loss of 36 lives and injuring 46 individuals. Additionally, over 2,000 houses have been damaged, with hundreds completely destroyed. The affected districts include Khyber, Upper and Lower Dir, Chitral Upper and Lower, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Mansehra, Mohmand, Malakand, Kurram, Tank, Mardan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Buner, Hangu, Battagram, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Kohat, DI Khan, and Kozai. In response to the calamity, the K-P government has released Rs110 million for financial assistance to the affected families and relief activities. Relief efforts, including the provision of essential supplies, are underway in the affected districts.
Similarly, Balochistan has also witnessed significant loss of life and property due to torrential rains, with 16 reported deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure in Chaman district. Rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas, with the provincial government declaring a state of emergency to facilitate relief efforts. Meanwhile, Punjab braces for incoming rainfall, with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected in upper regions from April 23 to 29. The PDMA has advised farmers to consider weather conditions before harvesting wheat crops and has issued alerts to all districts to prepare for the upcoming weather conditions. The NDMA has urged caution among tourists and travelers, advising against unnecessary travel to mountainous areas and providing safety tips to mitigate risks associated with lightning, landslides, and flash floods.
