The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a weather alert, warning of heavy rains in parts of Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the NDMA, heavy downpours are expected in Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Kasur, while Jhelum, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, and Pakpattan are also likely to receive intense rainfall.

The alert cautioned that urban flooding could occur in low-lying areas, while hill torrents may trigger flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.

In AJK, intermittent rain is forecast in Neelum Valley, Bagh, Kotli, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Haveli districts within the next 24 hours. The NDMA warned that heavy flows in hill streams could disrupt traffic and damage road links.

The authority also noted that rising water levels in the Sutlej River pose a significant flood risk.

Large-scale evacuation operations have already begun in vulnerable areas, with the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122 teams, and Pakistan Army engineers engaged in relief and rescue operations.

The NDMA advised citizens to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas, and to avoid unnecessary travel. People have been urged to follow instructions issued through TV, radio, mobile alerts, and the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” app.