PMD warns of more rains as country reels from devastating floods

Arabian Sea currents, westerly wave likely to affect upper parts from September 15 to 19

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) from September 15 to 19, as moist currents from the Arabian Sea and a westerly wave are expected to influence the weather system, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Sunday.

In K-P, rain with intermittent gaps is likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak and Waziristan between September 16 and 19.

In Azad Kashmir, scattered showers are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the night of September 15 to September 19, with chances of isolated heavy downpours on September 16 and 18.

G-B is also likely to experience similar weather from September 16 to 19, particularly in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

In Punjab and the federal capital, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum from September 16 to 19, while several other districts, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha and surrounding areas, are more likely to receive rainfall on September 18 and 19, with chances of isolated heavy showers.

Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan will remain mainly dry, although partly cloudy weather is expected along the coastal belt.

The PMD cautioned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels.

It further warned of possible landslides in the hilly regions of K-P, G-B, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir, while heavy rain on September 18 and 19 could increase water flows in local streams and nullahs in Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.

The public, including travellers and tourists, has been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable locations, while relevant authorities have been directed to stay alert and take preventive measures to minimise risks.

NDMA reports 972 monsoon deaths

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 972 people have lost their lives nationwide during monsoon rains and flash floods between June 26 and September 13.

K-P recorded the highest casualties with 504 deaths, followed by Punjab with 283, Sindh 71, G-B 41, and Balochistan 26.

Punjab topped the list of injured with 660 cases, while K-P reported 214, Sindh 87, G-B 52, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 37, and Balochistan five.

The calamity also caused widespread damage to properties. In K-P alone, 3,217 houses were damaged — 700 completely and 2,517 partially. Damage was also reported in other regions: 2,411 houses in AJK, 1,260 in G-B, 1,009 in Balochistan, 281 in Sindh, and 238 in Punjab.

Relief projects inaugurated in flood-hit Buner

K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday inaugurated water filtration plants and mobile health units set up by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Buner to support communities affected by recent rains and floods.

During a visit to the deputy commissioner’s office, the governor was briefed on the extent of flood damage and ongoing relief operations. He also met volunteers from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Boy Scouts Association and PRCS, praising their role in relief efforts.

Kundi acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistan Army, NGOs and civil society in assisting victims. “The real test lies in rebuilding homes and livelihoods,” he said, adding that no mechanism yet exists for early warnings of sudden cloudbursts.

Paying tribute to a local schoolteacher, Zahoor, who lost his life while rescuing villagers, Kundi said he would recommend state awards for Zahoor and others who showed extraordinary bravery.

He announced that the federal government had waived one month’s electricity bills for flood-hit areas and assured that victims would also receive financial support through the Benazir Income Support Programme.

“Rehabilitation has begun, and I am hopeful conditions will improve soon. The nation stands united, and together we will overcome this challenge,” the governor added.