NDMA issues alert ahead of expected stormy rains in July

In fourth week of July, heavy and torrential rains are expected, which could lead to flooding in streams and rivers

ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning to relevant agencies to stay alert in anticipation of stormy rains in the fourth week of July, as the monsoon season approaches.

The national disaster management authority has announced that the monsoon season will begin in the first week of July and will likely spread across almost all parts of the country.

In the fourth week of July, heavy and torrential rains are expected, which could lead to flooding in streams and rivers.

July forecast

Second week (approximately 25-35 mm of rain): Monsoon activity will continue in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, and Faisalabad divisions. Scattered rains are expected in Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.

Third eeek (approximately 15-25 mm of rain): Monsoon activity will be significant in Islamabad and Upper Punjab, while there will be a notable decrease in rainfall in central and southern Punjab as the monsoon enters a weaker phase.

Fourth week (approximately 50-70 mm of rain): Heavy rains in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad divisions could cause flooding. There is a risk of hill torrents in the DG Khan division. Moderate to heavy rains are forecasted for Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur divisions.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, around 50-70 mm of rain is expected in the fourth week of July.

Also read: Punjab on high alert as heavy monsoon rains predicted

Active monsoon phases are anticipated, with heavy to very heavy rains in Malakand, Hazara, and Mardan divisions, and moderate to heavy rains in Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan divisions.

In Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the fourth week will bring torrential rains, potentially causing flooding in seasonal streams and rivers. All relevant agencies have been advised to stay alert, and residents in low-lying areas are urged to take precautions.

The NDMA highlighted the following anticipated effects in the specified areas of Pakistan due to the upcoming weather conditions:

- Moderate to heavy rains could increase water flow in local streams and rivers, posing a risk of riverine and flash floods in vulnerable areas.

- There is a risk of hill torrents in sensitive areas of DI Khan, DG Khan, Rajanpur, and the Suleiman and Kirthar ranges due to moderate to heavy rainfall.

- Urban flooding is a concern in sensitive urban areas of the country due to the anticipated heavy rains.

- Landslides may occur in vulnerable hilly regions of Murree, Galliyat, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

- Rising temperatures and forecasted rains could increase the water flow in rivers and streams in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

- There is a higher likelihood of glacier lake outburst flooding in vulnerable valleys.

Additionally, dust storms, strong winds, and heavy rains could damage loose structures such as electricity poles, solar panels, billboards, tall trees, and buildings under construction.

The NDMA has advised all relevant agencies and stakeholders to stay alert and take precautionary measures to mitigate the adverse effects of monsoon rains. The public is also urged to take steps to protect themselves from the potential hazards.