Another monsoon wave to hit this week

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday forecast a fresh spell of widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers across most parts of the country in the coming days, with monsoon activity expected to intensify from August 17.

According to the Met Office, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper parts of the country, while moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to strengthen midweek. A westerly wave affecting the region is also expected to intensify from August 17.

Under these conditions, rain, wind, and thundershowers with scattered heavy falls are expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) from August 14 to 17.

The wet spell will persist from August 18 to 21 in several northern areas, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, and districts of G-B. From August 18 to 21, widespread rains are expected in K-P, with heavy to very heavy falls likely in Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Mardan.

Southern districts — Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan — will also experience showers with occasional heavy spells.

Punjab, including Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad, is likely to receive heavy rains from August 18 to 21, with scattered activity in southern districts, according to the PMD.

Parts of Balochistan, including Barkhan, Zhob, Khuzdar, Gwadar, and Panjgur, as well as several Sindh districts such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar, are also expected to see showers between August 18 and 22.

GLOF alert

In view of the forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of K-P issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) alert, warning of possible flooding in glaciated areas of the province. The PDMA cautioned that heavy and intermittent rains could cause glacial lakes to burst in vulnerable northern districts, including Upper and Lower Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan.

The PDMA has also warned of landslides and flash floods in local streams and nullahs in these areas, advising the public to avoid unnecessary movement near water channels and to refrain from driving vehicles through fast-flowing streams.

The National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and the Communication and Works Department have been instructed to remain on standby for road clearance and other emergency measures.

The PDMA has also launched a public awareness campaign to inform residents about precautionary measures, while its Emergency Operation Centre remains fully operational. Citizens can report incidents or seek information through the helpline 1700.

Flooding and landslides risk

The PMD cautioned that heavy rains may trigger flash floods in K-P, Murree, Galliyat, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir from August 15 to 21, as well as hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and eastern Balochistan from August 18 to 21. Urban flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Nowshera during this period.

Landslides and mudslides may disrupt roads in hilly areas of K-P, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir, while heavy falls, windstorms, and lightning could damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.

“All concerned are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation,” the PMD said. The public, travellers, and tourists have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and remain updated on the latest weather conditions.

Death toll rises

At least 312 people, including 142 children, have died and 740 others have been injured in flash floods and torrential rains since late June, according to updated data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The fatalities include 113 men, 57 women, and 142 children, while the injured comprise 243 children, 209 women, and 288 men. The NDMA said the deluges, which began on June 26, have left a trail of destruction across the country. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)