The Met Department has issued a fresh advisory, forecasting heavy monsoon rains across various parts of Pakistan in the coming days.
Strong monsoon winds are expected to enter the southern regions from tomorrow evening, triggering heavy downpours, especially in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab.
The advisory predicts heavy rainfall from tomorrow through August 18 in areas of Balochistan and Sindh, including Sibbi, Harnai, Ziarat, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Panjgur, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi.
The upper regions of the country, including central Punjab (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot divisions) and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Hangu), are expected to witness heavy rain until August 20.
There are also chance of heavy rains at a few places in south Punjab from tomorrow to August 17.
The disaster management authority is also on high alert due to the risk of urban flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of Sindh and Balochistan.
Punjab monsoon rains
The PDMA Punjab has forecast more monsoon rains across the province till August 18. The spokesperson said that in the next 24 hours, there are chances of rain with wind and thunder in most areas of the province. There are chance of rain in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur with monsoon rains also expected in Faisalabad, Sahiwal and Gujrat divisions.
The PDMA DG has issued an alert to the administration of the entire province regarding the weather situation. He said all departments concerned should be on alert in view of the chief minister's instructions.
The DG has ordered to complete advance arrangements in view of fears of urban flooding. The situation is being monitored 24 hours a day.
Flood warning
The disaster management authority has warned that flooding is likely in rivers across provinces due to the ongoing rains.
Flash floods and urban flooding are anticipated in Karachi and other affected areas. In addition, a flood warning has been issued for the Chenab River, where water levels are expected to rise sharply over the next 24 hours, increasing the risk of high-level flooding at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, and surrounding rivers.
The PDMA has urged local administrations in flood-prone areas, including Multan, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Muzaffargarh, to remain on high alert. Emergency control rooms have been activated, and the situation is being monitored around the clock.
Public safety measures, including emergency evacuations, are being coordinated to minimize the impact of the expected flooding.
PDMA DG Irfan Kathia instructed provincial departments to remain vigilant and ensure advance preparations are in place to mitigate the risk of urban flooding. He urged the public to stay informed and cooperate with the administration in case of emergencies.
The PDMA has also been tasked with providing real-time updates to the public regarding weather conditions and any necessary precautions.