PMD forecasts heavy rains in Sindh, Balochistan
(Clockwise) People wade through flooded streets after monsoon rains in Karachi. A man carries a suitcase on his head to keep it dry. Commuters struggle to move through waist-deep water as buses remain stranded. Vehicles, some partially submerged and others parked, are seen amid the deluge. PHOTO: AGENCIES
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy monsoon rains across Sindh, Balochistan and other parts of the country until August 22.
According to the PMD, districts in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar and Jamshoro, are likely to receive thunderstorms and heavy downpours, while Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur and Jacobabad may also witness intermittent rainfall.
In Balochistan, heavy showers, gusty winds and thunderstorms are forecast in Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibi, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar and Panjgur. The PMD cautioned that hill torrents could trigger flash floods in northern and southeastern parts of the province.
Light to moderate rainfall has also been predicted in Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Punjab and several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Dir, Swat and Chitral.
The PMD warned that strong winds, lightning and heavy rains may damage weak structures such as mud houses, electricity poles, signboards, vehicles and solar panels. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and remain updated with weather advisories.