The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday issued an urban flooding alert for Islamabad and parts of northern Punjab, warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in the next two to six hours.

According to the NEOC, areas at risk include Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and adjoining regions.

The alert said the formation of towering cumulus clouds due to heat could trigger intense downpours, accompanied by lightning strikes and thunder. Landslides in hilly regions were also feared.

The authority warned that torrential rains may damage weak infrastructure, disrupt power supply, and increase the risk of urban flooding.

Citizens were urged to take precautionary measures, stay away from trees and fragile structures, park vehicles in safe areas, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Moderate to heavy rainfall in Sindh

Separately, NDMA also issued advisories for southern Punjab and Sindh. Over the next two days, strong thunderstorms with rain are forecast for Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Ahmedpur, Liaqatpur, Zahir Pir, Rajanpur, Khanpur, Muzaffargarh, D.G. Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sadiqabad, with risks of urban flooding and hill torrents.

In Sindh, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Mithi, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Jamshoro, while Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, and Jacobabad are likely to receive light to moderate showers.

NDMA cautioned that strong winds and dust storms could uproot weak trees, damage power lines, and impair visibility, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

Authorities have directed district administrations to remain on high alert, step up rescue readiness, and strengthen relief measures to mitigate potential damage.