NDMA advises precaution in wake of pre-monsoon rains, thunderstorms

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory to federal and provincial authorities, urging them to implement preventive measures in light of the forecast for pre-monsoon wind-thundershowers that may lead to urban flooding and landslides in the northern areas of the country.

According to the advisory, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted the occurrence of pre-monsoon rains accompanied by dust-thunderstorms from June 25 to June 30. An intruding weather system carrying moist currents from the Arabian Sea and a westerly wave entering the upper parts of the country on June 25 are expected to be responsible for this weather phenomenon.

The NDMA's advisory highlights that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) are likely to experience rain, wind-thundershowers, and heavy falls from June 24 to 30. Additionally, Punjab, K-P, Balochistan, and ICT may witness isolated heavy falls from June 26 to 29. Sindh is expected to encounter rain and wind-thundershowers with isolated heavy falls on June 27 to 28.

The potential impacts mentioned in the advisory include the reduction of prevailing heatwave conditions, urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore from June 26 to 27, as well as landslides in vulnerable areas such as Murree, Galliyat, K-P, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK. Furthermore, on June 27, heavy rainfall might lead to flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and the adjoining areas of north-east Balochistan.

Also read: Pre-monsoon rains from June 25-30 to subside heatwave conditions

The NDMA has cautioned about the potential damage to loose structures, including electrical poles, solar panels, hoardings, tall trees, and under-construction buildings due to dust storms, wind-thunderstorms, and heavy falls.

In response to the forecast, the NDMA has directed all relevant authorities, including provincial and regional disaster management authorities, administration bodies, and various agencies, to undertake measures according to their respective mandates. These measures include continuous monitoring of water levels in rivers, streams, and urban drainage systems, ensuring the proper functioning of nullahs and stormwater drains, stocking up on essential commodities and medical supplies, activating early warning systems, securing loose structures, conducting public awareness campaigns, and providing guidance and assistance during emergencies.

Farmers have also been advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops, such as timely harvesting and safe storage, to mitigate the adverse effects of dust-wind-thunderstorms and hailstorms.

The NDMA's advisory emphasises the importance of coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and minimise the potential impact of the forecasted weather events.