A fresh monsoon system has entered Pakistan, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to several parts of the country, breaking the recent heatwave while prompting flood and landslide warnings.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while Lahore and several other cities across Punjab also received widespread showers, significantly lowering temperatures.
Rain was also reported in Gujrat, Hafizabad, Daska and Wazirabad. Low-lying areas of Gujrat experienced urban flooding following the downpour.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of possible landslides in northern Pakistan and flash flooding in mountainous regions as the monsoon system intensifies.
According to the NDMA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides during the ongoing spell.
Speaking to SAMAA, NDMA spokesperson Zahra Hassan said the authority had completed preparations to respond to any emergency.
She said an Emergency Response Committee had been established to ensure a swift and coordinated response to rain-related incidents, while consultations with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other relevant institutions were continuing.
Hassan added that NDMA teams would soon visit the provinces to coordinate preparedness measures with local administrations.
She said disaster mapping, risk assessments and stocktaking had already been completed, while emergency supplies had also been positioned at the provincial level to enable a rapid response if needed.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those living in mountainous and low-lying areas, to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and follow official weather advisories.
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