The Met Department has forecasted heavy rain in Islamabad and its surrounding areas, as well as various districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan.
The monsoon season, currently at its peak, continues to bring significant rainfall, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
The early morning in Islamabad and Rawalpindi saw heavy rain, leading to an emergency declaration by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Rawalpindi. The low-lying area of Amarpura is facing severe waterlogging due to blocked drains and sewers, exacerbating the situation despite a temporary halt in rainfall.
The forecast indicates more rain at intervals in the Twin Cities, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness. Residents of affected areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
On the other hand, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Buner, Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Meanwhile, Punjab will see rain in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Kasur, Okara, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, and Layyah.
In Balochistan, the weather will remain hot and humid in most districts, but rain is expected in Zhob, Musakhel, Barkhan, Kohlu, and surrounding areas. Additionally, the coastal areas of Sindh may experience light rain.
Monsoon season to continue till Aug 6
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive warning as the monsoon season is set to continue from today until August 6. The NDMA has forecasted rain with thunder across most parts of the country, with an increased risk of flooding in low-lying areas and local rivers.
In light of the potential dangers, the NDMA has directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other relevant subsidiary bodies to take immediate precautionary measures. Specific areas identified as high-risk include DG Khan, Rajanpur, and the Koh-e-Sulaiman and Kirthar mountain ranges, where there is a significant threat of flooding.
Urban flooding is anticipated in several major cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Gujranwala. Additional areas at risk include Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Nowshera, and Peshawar.
The NDMA has also warned of the likelihood of landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Furthermore, all major rivers and adjacent watercourses are expected to experience an increase in flow, heightening the risk of widespread flooding. The NDMA's alerts emphasize the critical need for proactive disaster management and readiness to mitigate the impact of these natural events.
