NDMA Strengthens Relief Efforts in KP, Issues Tourism Advisory Amid Monsoon Emergency

ISLAMABAD: As torrential monsoon rains, flash floods, landslides, and lightning strikes continue to wreak havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and northern regions of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has stepped up its response and issued strong travel advisories to safeguard lives.

A high-level NDMA team has arrived in Peshawar to reinforce and coordinate ongoing relief efforts with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The visit comes on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring the federal government’s resolve to support provincial authorities in managing the escalating disaster situation.

According to NDMA data, 214 lives have been lost, 21 individuals injured, and 55 remain missing due to rain-related incidents across KP. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with joint efforts by the Pakistan Army, PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administrations, and local volunteers. Relief supplies are being dispatched promptly, and NDMA maintains full coordination with both civil and military agencies.

Public Safety Measures and Travel Restrictions

In light of the worsening situation, NDMA has issued an urgent public advisory urging citizens to avoid travel to hilly and disaster-affected regions, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and northern KP, where the risks of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages have intensified.

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has confirmed that several key routes and bridges have been severely damaged or rendered completely impassable:

• Somro Bridge (Ghanche), Saltoro Bridge, and Baghicha Bridge (Skardu) are unusable.

• Jaglot–Skardu Road is fully suspended.

• Road access blocked at Dayan, Thali Baroq, Kalti (Ghizer), and routes to Gilgit, Jaglot, Guru, Naltar.

• Gilgit–Hunza corridor, including Gulmit, Gojal, and Babusar Top, is shut down.

NDMA warns that vulnerable districts such as Torghar, Battagram, Shangla, Lower Kohistan, Tata Pani, Gilgit, Hunza, and Swat face a heightened risk of additional flooding and landslides if rains persist.

Government Response and Enforcement

To limit casualties and facilitate emergency operations, NDMA has directed law enforcement agencies to implement strict tourism curbs in high-risk zones. Section 144 may be imposed if necessary to restrict public movement. Citizens are strongly advised to stay informed through official channels, avoid non-essential travel, and remain alert for further updates.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by the NDMA Chairman on the latest developments, and all concerned agencies continue round-the-clock monitoring of the situation.

Read more: NDMA cautions public over rains from August 13

The NDMA’s proactive coordination and strong warnings reflect the gravity of the unfolding monsoon emergency. Citizens are urged to prioritize safety and cooperate with authorities during this critical period.