PMD warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in Pakistan from July 18 to 25

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday warned that monsoon activity is expected to intensify across much of the country from July 18 (tomorrow), with widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms forecast until July 25, increasing the risk of flash floods, urban flooding and landslides.

In a weather advisory issued by the National Weather Forecast Centre, the Meteorological Office said monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are “continuously penetrating the upper and central parts of the country” and are likely to strengthen over the weekend.

It added that a western disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on Monday, and the combined weather systems are likely to bring widespread rainfall.

According to the PMD, rain accompanied by windstorm and thunderstorm with “scattered heavy rain at times very heavy” is expected in Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, from the afternoon or evening of July 18 to July 25, with occasional intervals.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain is forecast in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu from the afternoon or evening of July 19 to 23.

The department said Islamabad and much of upper and central Punjab including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana. Sahib, Chiniot and Okara are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain from the afternoon or evening of July 19 to 23.

Rain is also likely in Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur from July 20 to 24. Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast in Gilgit-Baltistan including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from the afternoon or evening of July 18 to 25.

In Balochistan, heavy rain is expected in the northeastern districts of Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Musakhel, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar from the afternoon or evening of July 19 to 23, while most parts of Sindh are expected to remain hot and very humid, with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms forecast in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad from July 20 to 24.

The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning “could damage weak structures (solar panels, electric poles, billboards, etc.)” during the forecast period. It also warned that landslides could occur in vulnerable areas of Upper KP, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir, while flash floods are likely to occur in local streams and nullahs across KP, North East Punjab, Islamabad, GB, Dera Ghazi Khan hill torrents and North East Balochistan during periods of heavy rainfall.

The department further warned that heavy rains could lead to urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad between July 20 and 23.

Advising the public to exercise caution, the Meteorological Office urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period and asked farmers to plan agricultural activities according to expected weather conditions while protecting livestock.

He also urged all authorities concerned to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any adverse situation during the forecast period.