Authorities have issued high alerts as Pakistan faces the seventh and strongest spell of the monsoon this year.
Heavy rainfall is expected across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides. The intensity of the monsoon spell is set to increase from tomorrow.
Widespread rainfall expected
The Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rains in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from August 17 to 19. During the same period, heavy rains are expected in most areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Punjab, Murree, Galiyat and Islamabad.
Heavy rain is also expected in some areas of southern Punjab from August 18 to 20. Many areas of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to be battered by monsoon rains from August 17 to 22.
Also Read: Heavy rains, floods kill 194 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 24 hours
The Met Department has also forecast flooding in the drains and streams of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Abbottabad, Buner, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir. Several cities of Sindh, Punjab, and KP are expected to be submerged due to the rains.
"There is also a risk of landslides in various upper parts of the country," the Met Office announced.
Risks of flash floods and landslides
Officials warn that landslides may occur in hilly and northern regions. The Meteorological Department urges residents to remain vigilant and avoid travelling to vulnerable areas during heavy rains.
NDMA expert Muhammad Tayyab says a series of westerly winds is moving towards Pakistan. The combination of easterly and westerly winds is expected to further increase the intensity of the monsoon spell, he claimed.
Also Read: KP floods kill 307; Buner suffers heaviest loss of 213 deaths
He forecasts that cloudbursts and localised flooding are likely in several districts of Punjab, including Mianwali, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock regions, in the coming days, further heightening flood risks as seen in Buner, Battagram and Swat. "The low-lying areas of Chakwal are on alert due to heavy rains."
PDMA issues high alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high alert, predicting heavy rains due to a strong spell of monsoon in most districts of Punjab in the next 24 hours, raising fear of urban flooding in cities.
It has convened emergency meetings and issued warnings to all agencies concerned. PDMA DG Irfan Kathia confirmed that all emergency response teams have been mobilized and advised citizens to follow safety protocols during the monsoon spell.
Past monsoon impact
This year’s heavy rainfall has already caused significant damage: 164 civilians have died, 582 injured, 216 houses affected, and 121 livestock lost, according to PDMA reports. Authorities stress the importance of early preparedness to mitigate further loss of life and property.
