Fresh spell of monsoon rains forecast nationwide from July 29: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday issued a nationwide weather advisory, warning that a fresh spell of monsoon rains from July 29 to August 5 could trigger urban flooding, flash floods and landslides across large parts of the country.

The met office said moisture-laden monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal were expected to penetrate the upper and central parts of Pakistan from July 29, while a westerly wave currently affecting the northern areas was likely to intensify from August 1.

“Under the forecast, Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), parts of Balochistan and Sindh are expected to receive widespread rain and thunderstorms, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls in several areas,” it said.

The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad between July 30 and August 4.

“In Sindh, urban flooding is also likely in cities including Hyderabad, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Badin from July 31 to August 2,” said the met office

The department also warned of possible landslides in vulnerable areas of upper K-P, Murree, Galiyat, G-B and Kashmir, while heavy rains could generate flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, K-P and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also issued a province-wide weather advisory warning that the fourth spell of monsoon rains would affect most districts of Punjab from July 29 to August 5, with heavy rainfall expected to trigger urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. 

“Heavy rainfall is expected in Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Khushab, Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan from July 29 to August 4, while Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanewal, Multan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are likely to receive rain between July 31 and August 3,” the authority said.

The PDMA said that heavy showers were also forecast in Rawalpindi, Muree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sialkot and Narowal.

The advisory warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan, while Murree, Galiyat and other hilly areas face the risk of landslides.

PDMA Director General Umar Mela directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert and ensure emergency preparedness in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. 

“Major cities should remain prepared for possible urban flooding caused by monsoon rains,” Mela said.

He warned that rainfall in the upper catchment areas could increase water flows in the eastern rivers and adjoining streams, raising the risk of flooding. 

“Expected rainfall in the upper catchment areas may increase flows in the eastern rivers and adjoining streams, while seasonal nullahs are also at risk of flash flooding,” he said.

According to Mela the Health Department, Irrigation Department, Communications and Works Department, Local Government Department and Livestock Department had been placed on alert, while district administrations were instructed to ensure round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), coordinate with all relevant departments, disseminate safety advisories through electronic and social media, complete contingency planning, desilt drains, pre-position heavy machinery at flood-prone locations, deploy additional staff to high-risk districts, keep Rescue 1122 teams on alert and submit regular situation reports.

He also warned that heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards, advising tourists and travellers to exercise caution, while farmers were urged to protect their crops and livestock during the forecast period.

“Citizens are requested to adopt precautionary measures during adverse weather conditions. People should not stay in dilapidated or mud-built houses. A large number of monsoon-related fatalities are reported every year due to the collapse of weak structures,” he added.

Mela said that parents should keep children away from waterlogged low-lying areas, electric wires and utility poles, while the public should avoid standing in open spaces during thunderstorms.

He said that in case of any emergency, citizens should contact the PDMA helpline 1129.