ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted another spell of monsoon rains beginning Friday, with a strong system expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and occasional heavy downpours across various parts of the country from July 13 onwards.
Moist currents entering the region, coupled with a new westerly wave, are likely to spark significant rainfall, especially between July 13 and 17.
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Regional Forecast Highlights:
- Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan: Heavy to very heavy rain expected in areas like Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Skardu, Hunza, and Gilgit between July 11 and 17.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Widespread showers forecast across districts including Swat, Dir, Peshawar, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Waziristan, and others from July 11 to 17.
- Punjab & Islamabad: Torrential rain likely in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Islamabad, risking urban flooding between July 13 and 17.
- Southern Punjab: Areas like Bahawalpur, Multan, and DG Khan may receive isolated heavy falls.
- Balochistan: Areas such as Quetta, Zhob, Khuzdar, and Dera Bugti are expected to see rain from today and again from July 13 to 16.
- Sindh: Moderate showers expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana from July 15 to 17.
Impact and Safety Advisories:
- Flash flooding is likely in hilly and low-lying areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Swat, Islamabad, and parts of northeast Punjab and Balochistan.
- Landslides and mudslides could disrupt travel in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Urban flooding remains a concern in Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
- Strong winds and lightning may damage electric poles, solar panels, and weak structures.
- The PMD urges farmers, travelers, and tourists to plan cautiously and avoid unnecessary movement to vulnerable areas.
NDMA Issues Flood Alert as Rivers May Swell Across Country
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a hydrological and weather-based flood warning for July 13–17, citing increased risk from rising moisture flows from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Key concerns include:
- Medium flood levels forecast at Tarbela and Taunsa, while Kalabagh and Chashma are already experiencing elevated flows.
- Rivers like Chenab, Kabul, and Jhelum expected to swell.
- Hill torrents in DG Khan, Rajanpur, and southern Balochistan (Khuzdar, Lasbela, Qalat) could reach dangerous levels.
- Local flash flooding may occur in Sibi, Musakhel, Kachhi, Zhob, and surrounding districts.
NDMA Precautionary Measures:
- Residents in vulnerable areas advised to prepare emergency kits, relocate valuables/livestock, and stay away from rivers and flooded routes.
- District administrations instructed to ready dewatering equipment for urban centers.
- Citizens are encouraged to use the NDMA Disaster Alert app, stay updated through official channels, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains.
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