PMD warns of heavy rains across country
Villagers move their belongings to safer places as the rising level of water in the River Indus threatens embankments in Sukkur. Photo: PPI
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday issued a nationwide alert warning of heavy rainfall across several districts of Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan, potentially triggering flash floods, landslides and urban flooding.
According to the latest advisory, intense showers may cause flooding in streams and nullahs in areas including Murree, Galyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan, northeastern Punjab, Balochistan and Kashmir.
Heavy downpours could also trigger landslides in hilly regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, potentially disrupting transport and access routes.
The PMD has also warned that low-lying urban areas in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera and Peshawar may experience urban flooding.
Residents have been urged to take precautions and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Strong winds accompanying the rain may cause damage to weaker infrastructure, including electricity poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.
Daytime weather in most districts of Punjab is expected to remain hot and humid, but isolated rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the night in areas including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Khushab, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, DG Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Kot Addu and Layyah.
DG Khan and surrounding areas are likely to receive especially heavy rainfall.
Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations in northeastern Punjab, the Potohar region, and around DG Khan.
The PMD noted that strong monsoon currents originating from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, combined with a westerly wave, are likely to affect the upper and central parts of the country on Sunday and Monday.
In a related development, NDMA technical team lead and spokesperson Dr Tayyab Shah also issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid crossing bridges, streams, or inundated roads during periods of high-water flow.
Speaking to a local news channel, he called for enhanced inter-agency cooperation to ensure an effective emergency response.