PMD issues alert as monsoon rains raise risk of flash floods

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide alert as heavy monsoon rains are expected to hit various regions of the country tonight and Monday, raising concerns over flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.

According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, along with a westerly wave, are likely to affect the upper and central parts of the country.

As a result, heavy rainfall is forecast in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, northeastern Punjab, hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, and parts of Balochistan.

The department warned that the intense rainfall may cause flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, particularly in hilly areas.

Landslides and mudslides could lead to road closures in vulnerable regions, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Urban flooding is also likely in low-lying areas of major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar.

Strong windstorms may damage power lines, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.

Today, hot and humid conditions are forecast across most of the country, with isolated thunderstorms in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Balochistan, and southern Punjab.

On Monday, rain with windstorms and thunderstorms is expected in scattered areas of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Authorities have advised residents in high-risk areas to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.