ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of “vigorous monsoon activity” in Pakistan till July 30, during which it said heavy rains may lash central and upper parts of the country.
At least 168 people have died and another nearly 300 injured in various rain-related incidents since the monsoon showers began in the South Asian country on June 25, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Monsoon currents from Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the country and a westerly wave is also present in upper and central parts of the country, the Met Office said in its latest advisory.
“Heavy rains may generate flash flooding in Balochistan and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan on 27th (night) & 28th July. While in Kashmir, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Manshera, Abbottabad, Rawalpindi/Islamabad including (Lai Nullah) during 27th (night) to 29th July,” the PMD said.
“Heavy rains may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad from 27th (night) to 29th July and may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period.”
The weather office advised travelers to remain cautious and farmers to manage their activities keeping the forecast in view.
“Wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels etc,” it said. “General public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/lightning/heavy rains.”
Heavy rains have continued to lash the impoverished nation, overflowing the main rivers in the Punjab province and prompting authorities to relocate people from low-lying areas.
The rains have returned to Pakistan a year after the climate-induced downpour swelled rivers and inundated at one point one-third of Pakistan, killing 1,739 people. The floods also caused $30 billion in damage in cash-strapped Pakistan in 2022.
