Pakistan braces for floods, landslides as PMD warns of ‘significant weather event’

PMD warns that major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, are at risk of urban flooding

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a cautionary advisory to residents in the areas surrounding Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Indus, and Jhelum, urging them to brace for a "significant weather event".

The latest weather forecast predicts scattered to widespread wind thunderstorms and rain, ranging from moderate to heavy intensity. In some isolated areas, there may be very heavy rainfall.

The weather report highlights the upper catchments of rivers Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab, which are expected to experience thunderstorms and rain, with the potential for isolated places to encounter intense downpours.

Similarly, the upper catchments of rivers Indus and Jhelum are also at risk of encountering scattered wind thunderstorms and moderate rainfall, with isolated areas experiencing heavy rain.

🚨جبکہ شمالی پنجاب اور جنوبی خیبرپختونخوا میں
دریاؤں میں تیز بہاؤ، موسمی نالوں میں طغیانی اور اربن فلڈنگ کا خطرہ ہے. اسی طرح جنوبی پنجاب اور بلوچستان میں ہل ٹورنٹ اور لینڈ سلائیڈنگ متوقع ہے.اسلام آباد اور راولپنڈی میں اربن فلڈنگ اور نالہ لائی میں طغیانی کا خدشہ ہے. pic.twitter.com/2upHAvuIHa

— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 22, 2023

Given the prevailing weather conditions, there is a high likelihood of medium to high-level flooding in River Chenab. Moreover, River Jhelum, upstream of Mangla, is expected to experience sharp peaks of medium to high-level flooding. Additionally, Nullahs (tributaries) of Rivers Ravi and Chenab, along with Hill Torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan Division, are likely to witness medium-level flooding.

Read more: Flash floods wreak havoc in Chitral for second consecutive day

The department has highlighted that the situation in Rivers Ravi and Sutlej will largely depend on the water releases from India. Authorities and residents in these areas are advised to closely monitor updates from relevant authorities and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property from potential flood risks.

Flash flooding, landslides in Punjab, AJK

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Lahore has issued a warning of landslides, flash flooding, and urban flooding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

The forecast indicates a significant risk of landslides and flash flooding in these regions, urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.

The centre adds that major cities including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan are also at risk of urban flooding. This warning extends from July 22 to July 26, making it imperative for authorities and citizens alike to be prepared for potential inundation in urban areas.

“Residents in vulnerable regions are urged to closely monitor official weather updates and local authorities, while also staying informed through reliable news sources. Preparedness and awareness are key during this critical period, as timely action can help mitigate the impact of the expected heavy rainfall and flooding,” the report further stated.