Monsoon alert: Heavy rains, flash floods forecast from July 6

Pakistan is expected to witness a fresh spell of widespread monsoon rains over the next eight days, as the Meteorological Department warns of urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides in several regions.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) have issued alerts urging citizens and authorities to take precautionary measures.

According to the Meteorological Department, the current spell of rains will continue until July 5, with a new wave of westerly winds likely to enter the upper regions on July 6. This will trigger heavy rainfall across Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad until July 10. 

The Met Department forecasts heavy downpours from July 5 to 10 in the following areas:

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar

• Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir from July 6 to 10

• Punjab: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Chiniot, Sheikhupura

• Islamabad and Galiyat

• South Punjab: Various parts, including DG Khan, Rajanpur

• Balochistan: Northern, eastern, and southern regions from July 6 to 8

Risks and warnings

NDMA has issued a comprehensive alert highlighting multiple risks:

• Urban flooding likely in major cities of northern and central Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal 

• Flash floods feared in hill streams and mountain drains of Rajanpur and DG Khan division

• Water flow is expected to increase in Kabul River at Nowshera, raising the possibility of flooding in the river's tributaries

• Risk of landslides and floods in low-lying areas in upper areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan and northern KP

• Low-level flood situation may arise due to increase in water flow in Tarbela Dam
• Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are also a concern in mountainous regions

• Transport disruption and accidents due to poor visibility and landslides

• Damage to weak structures such as mud walls, electric poles, and billboards possible during strong winds

NDMA Deputy Director Irfan Virk stated: “We are expecting a spell of heavy rains in upper and southern areas. Flash flooding is possible, but it will also help increase water levels in dams.”

Also Read: Karachi braces for heavier-than-usual monsoon rains

Meanwhile, PDMA Punjab has reported that while there is no unusual or severe flooding in any major river, drain or hill stream, and that they are all flowing normally, water inflow is expected to rise from July 7. Over the past 24 hours, Murree received 48mm of rain, Rawalpindi 18mm, Narowal 15mm, and Attock 14mm.

Public advisory

Authorities have urged the public to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly or flood-prone areas

• Stay away from weak structures, electricity poles, and billboards during storms

• Follow official advisories from NDMA and PDMA for safety

• Tourists are strongly advised to postpone travel plans to the northern areas