ISLAMABAD – Authorities in Pakistan are preparing for a new wave of monsoon rains and thunderstorms, anticipated to begin today and continue through Wednesday. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts that the Malakand and Hazara divisions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Punjab, parts of Sindh, eastern Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will experience rain and thunderstorms with strong winds. Urban centers in Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, and Lahore, are expected to be affected later in the evening.
The PMD’s national forecast indicates that Islamabad may receive rain and thunderstorms at night. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while most districts will remain hot and humid, scattered rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kurram, and Waziristan.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) has issued a separate alert, predicting moderate to strong monsoon activity over the upper catchments of the Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers from July 22 to 24. This is expected to result in medium to high-level flows in these rivers and their associated nullahs.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported 135 fatalities and 478 injuries across the province due to monsoon-related incidents this year. The casualties include 99 deaths from building collapses, 19 from drowning, 12 from electrocution, and five from lightning strikes.
In response to the forecast, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has directed all district administrations to remain on high alert for potential urban flooding in cities and flash floods in riverine areas. He emphasized the importance of preparedness as heavy precipitation in upper catchment areas could lead to dangerous water level rises in the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers between July 22 and 24.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.