ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday issued an advisory for possible heavy rains and flash floods in many parts of the country, anticipating that severe weather conditions will persist till August 19.
In the advisory issued here, the NDMA has forecast widespread thundery rains in Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan, which may lead to flash floods.
“Widespread thundery rains of moderate to heavy intensity with scattered very heavy rains and isolated extremely heavy rains are expected over Sindh along DG Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Zhob, Loralai, Nasirabad, Sibbi, Kalat and Makran divisions,” it said.
Additionally, the authority said, flash floods of medium to high level are expected in mountain torrents of DG Khan division and in the Nullahs of Sibbi, Nasirabad, Zhob, Kalat Larkana and Hyderabad divisions (Dadu and Naushahro Feroze districts) from August 17 to 19.
The NDMA has also issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of floods and severe weather.
Departments have been ordered to improve monitoring of the evolving situation to reduce response times.
All civic agencies and rescue services are directed to remain alert and ensure availability of personnel and equipment during the above period, especially in risk areas.
The NDMA also asked the departments to timely evacuate people living in low-lying and flood-prone areas and ensure availability of shelter, food and medicines in such camps.
Meanwhile, the authority also warned locals and farmers to keep livestock away from low-lying areas adjacent to rivers and their associated tributaries/nullahs.
Power distribution companies (Discos) and relevant local departments have been directed to ensure necessary arrangements to prevent electrocution incidents and timely restoration of power supply.
They have also been directed to coordinate with the concerned departments to clear the roads in case of any blockage/obstruction, waterlogging and to pre-position necessary emergency equipment at vulnerable/appropriate locations.
