Says intermittent heavy rain between July 7 and 10 could cause flash flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams
ISLAMABAD:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and meteorological authorities have issued nationwide weather alerts as an active monsoon system will bring widespread rain and thunderstorms to much of the country from Tuesday, increasing the risk of flash floods, urban flooding and landslides.
The NDMA, citing an assessment by its National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), said large-scale river flooding was not expected despite the projected rise in water levels in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
However, intermittent heavy rain between July 7 and 10 could cause flash flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams, inundate low-lying urban areas and trigger landslides in mountainous regions, it added.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, along with a westerly weather system, would bring rain, windstorms and thunderstorms to Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, Potohar region, north and central Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of northern Balochistan until Wednesday.
Sindh is expected to remain mostly hot and humid, although isolated rain is forecast in upper districts. The PMD warned that heavy rains could cause urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Nowshera.
He added that landslides remain a threat in vulnerable areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Windstorms and lightning can also damage vulnerable structures, including utility poles, billboards, and solar panels.
In Balochistan, active monsoon conditions are expected on July 7 and 8 (today and tomorrow), with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Harnai, Loralai, Sibi, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti and adjoining areas.
Rain is also likely in Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad and Duki, with authorities warning of flooding in seasonal streams and accumulation of water in low-lying areas. The NDMA and provincial disaster management authorities have directed all emergency agencies to ensure preparedness.
Travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on mountain roads and near streams, while tourists have been urged to stay away from flood-prone areas and follow official weather warnings during the monsoon season.
