More torrential rains likely in Sindh, Balochistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has advised authorities concerned to take precautionary measures in wake of torrential rains in Sindh, Balochistan and South Punjab this week.

The vigorous monsoon activity will be the result of continuous penetration of monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal in upper and central parts of the country as well as another strong monsoon low-pressure area (LPA) approaching Sindh on July 14 (Thursday).

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 26 people have been killed in rain-related incidents across Sindh, from June 20 to July 10. In addition to 26 deaths, 11 have been injured within the same period. The highest number of deaths occurred in Karachi.

Under the influence of this weather system, more widespread intermittent heavy to very heavy rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad Thatta, Badin, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Mithi, Jamshoro, Nosheroferoze, Larkana, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Kashmore, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Loralai, Bolan, Kohlu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Dera Bugti, Sibbi, Panjgur, Turbat and Pasni from July 14-17.

Read more: At least 26 people killed across Sindh due to monsoon rains, says PDMA

More intermittent rain-wind/thundershower with isolated heavy falls are expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahimyar Khan and Khanpur from July 13-15 with occasional gaps.

About the impact of the rain, the met office conveyed that torrential rains may generate urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jamshoro, Mirpurkhas, Dadu, Umer Kot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Awaran, Panjgur and Turbat from July 14-17 while in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Faisalabad, Lahore and Gujranwala on July 13 and July 14.

Flash flooding is also expected in local Nullahs of Kirthar range, Bolan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Kohlu, Zhob, Sibbi and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan from July 14-16 while in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir and Kashmir on July 13 and July 14.

Read: NDMA dispatches relief goods for Balochistan rain affectees

Rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, Galiyat, Murree, Chillas, Diamir, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore and Skardu during the forecast period.

The PDM also advised travellers and tourists to remain cautious during the forecast period.

"All relevant authorities are advised to remain alert and to take necessary precautionary measures during the forecast period," it added.

Premier alert

Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also directed the federal and provincial civic bodies to closely monitor the safety measures ahead of the new monsoon spell expected to start this Thursday.

The premier asked the authorities to ensure a proper precautionary system for the people across the country, including Sindh, Balochistan and South Punjab.

PM Shehbaz lauded the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for extending support to provincial governments and institutions in controlling the situation amid heavy rains.