Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Sunday of potential urban flooding in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The caution comes in anticipation of the monsoon rains set to begin across the country from tomorrow, July 3, until July 8.
According to the statement by the PMD, also known as the Met Office, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to infiltrate the upper regions of the country. Additionally, a westerly wave is anticipated to sweep across the upper parts of the country starting July 3.
The ensuing rains may trigger urban flooding in the lower-lying regions of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore between July 4-7. The Met Office has therefore urged authorities to stay on “alert”.
The intense downpours may also lead to landslides in susceptible areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and the hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the same period.
Rain, wind, and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are also forecasted for areas such as Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, D.I Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, D.G Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Okara from July 5 to 8.
Further, rain, wind, and thundershowers with occasional heavy downpours are expected in regions including Sukkur, Jacobabad Ghotki, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Mithi, Chhor, Padidan, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, and Karachi on July 7 and 8.
The Met Office also warned of potential flash floods in the hill torrent areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and neighbouring areas of northeast Balochistan from July 6-8.
The statement advised farmers to adjust their activities per the weather forecast.
The Met Office also recommended that tourists exercise extra caution to avoid adverse incidents during this wet spell.
