Heavy Rains Expected Across Pakistan from July 29 to August 5, PMD Issues Flood Warning

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh spell of widespread monsoon rains across Pakistan from July 29 to August 5, warning of heavy downpours, urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides in several parts of the country.

The PMD said that the upper and central parts of Pakistan will experience strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal from July 29 onward. Another westerly system will also be developing on August 1, bringing more rain and thunderstorms to various locations.

Punjab to Receive Heavy Rainfall

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and nearby areas in Punjab according to the Met Office forecasts. Rainfall with thunderstorms can lead to flooding in urban areas and cause interruption of routine activities.

KP Faces Risk of Heavy Downpours

Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that include Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir, Kohistan, and Malakand. The PMD has issued alerts of very heavy rains being experienced in isolated areas, which heighten the possibility of flash floods in local streams and rivers.

Karachi, Hyderabad and Sindh to Receive Rain

In Sindh, rainfall and thunderstorm is anticipated in the region of Larkana, Umerkot, Badin, Sukkur, Tharparkar, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Badakhand, Dera Ismail Khan, and Karachi, etc. districts from 31 July to 02 August. The rain will bring some respite from the hot and humid conditions, but could cause waterlogging in low-lying regions.

Rain Forecast for Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Widespread rainfall has also been forecast in parts of Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan during the same period by the weather department. Heavy showers are forecasted over hilly areas, which may lead to landslides and road closures.

PMD Warns of Urban Flooding and Flash Floods

During heavy rainfall, urban flooding is expected in low-lying areas of major cities, such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, the PMD has warned.

The department also issued a warning of flash floods on local streams and nullahs, especially in the mountainous areas. The residents of Murree, Galliyat, KP, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan have been warned to stay alert against the possibility of landslides.

Authorities Urge Public to Take Precautions

The PMD has urged the public, local administration and disaster management authorities to be alert during the prediction period. Citizens are urged not to travel unnecessarily during the heavy rain period, stay off flooded roads or streams and heed to the warnings given by the weather authorities to ensure their safety.