The Meteorological Department has forecasted a fresh wave of monsoon rains across upper and central parts of the country, warning of possible flooding in major rivers, their adjacent streams and urban areas through July 24.
Speaking to Samaa TV, Meteorological Department Deputy Director Irfan Virk confirmed that the current monsoon system is likely to continue bringing intermittent showers to northern and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan. He added that another spell of rain is expected to begin in the coming days, with a fifth wave of the monsoon anticipated in August.
“People should remain cautious as more rain is likely, and heavy downpours may lead to flooding in vulnerable regions,” warned Virk.
Also Read: Swat on high alert, as heavy rains forecast in KP till July 25
Areas at risk
According to the Met Office, thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are expected tonight in Kashmir, KP, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeast Balochistan. Rain is expected to continue intermittently in most parts of the country during the next 24 hours.
Isolated heavy and even torrential rainfall is also predicted in upper KP, Potohar region, northeastern Punjab, and Kashmir. Meanwhile, southern Pakistan is likely to experience hot and humid weather conditions.
Flood situation and water levels
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a detailed alert regarding rising water levels in rivers due to monsoon rains and glacier melt.
Also Read: 5 dead in GB cloudburst as landslides strike Babusar Highway
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia:
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Low-level flooding is occurring in the Indus River at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa.
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Chenab River at Khanki is also experiencing low-level flooding. The flow at Marala, Qadirabad and Trimmu, however, is normal.
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Water flow in the Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej rivers remains at normal levels.
Here are the latest river water statistics:
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Tarbela: Inflow 350,000 cusecs
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Chashma: Inflow 340,000, Outflow 320,000 cusecs
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Kalabagh: Inflow 332,000, Outflow 324,000 cusecs
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Taunsa: Inflow 363,000, Outflow 357,000 cusecs
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Khanki (Chenab): Inflow 120,000, Outflow 116,000 cusecs
Mangla Dam currently holds 50% of its water capacity, while Tarbela Dam is at 79%. On the Indian side, dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi are filled up to 36% capacity.
The PDMA has instructed district administrations, especially in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and ensure emergency preparedness. Control rooms and district emergency centers are monitoring the situation round the clock.
Urban flooding fears and casualties
The PDMA has also expressed concerns about urban flooding in major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. City administrations have been directed to stay on high alert.
So far this year, 135 people have lost their lives, 479 have been injured, and 156 houses have been damaged due to rain-related incidents across Punjab. Financial assistance is being provided to the affected families on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to a PDMA spokesperson.
Authorities urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded areas, and report emergencies to the relevant helplines.
