RAWALPINDI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a flood alert for major rivers across the country, forecasting moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall from July 13 to 17 that could trigger flash floods.

NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) attributed the forecast to increased moisture from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, along with an active westerly wave system.

As a result, increased flows are expected in all major rivers, particularly the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum and Chenab.

Currently, the Kalabagh and Chashma barrages on the Indus River are at medium flood levels, while the Tarbela, Taunsa and Guddu barrages are at low flood levels, the NDMA said.

The Taunsa barrage is also expected to rise to a medium flood level.

Low flood levels are also forecast for the Chenab River at Marala and Khanki and for the Kabul River at Nowshera.

Rain-induced swelling is anticipated in the Swat and Panjkora rivers, along with their associated streams and nullahs.

In Punjab, torrential flows in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are likely to reactivate with medium to high flows.

In Balochistan, high flows may be experienced in streams and nullahs in northeastern districts including Jhal Magsi, Kachhi, Sibi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob and Musakhel.

Additionally, localised flash flooding is also expected in southern districts like Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela and Qalat.

As of Thursday, the Tarbela Dam was at 74 per cent storage capacity and the Mangla Dam was at 44pc.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025