ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rains, thunderstorms that may lead to flash floods in upper parts of Pakistan this week, urging the masses to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
A westerly wave is likely to approach northwestern parts of the country on April 16 and is expected to persist in upper parts till April 19, according to the PMD.
It may bring rains, thunderstorms and isolated heavy falls or hailstorm to parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Balochistan, Punjab and Islamabad.
“Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from 17th to 19th April,” the PMD said.
“Due to heavy rains, flash flood is expected in vulnerable areas of upper Kyber Pakhtunkhwa (Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Batgram, Chitral), Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir (Neelum Valley).”
The South Asian country, which has seen increasingly erratic weather patterns in recent years, has reported at least 68 deaths from heavy rains since late last month.
The PMD warned that gusty winds, hailstorm and lightning may damage weak structures and standing crops during the forecast period.
“Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions,” it said. “Tourists and travelers are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period.”
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and has in recent years witnessed extreme rainfall, floods and heatwaves that have exposed gaps in infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
The country is still recovering from catastrophic floods in 2022 that killed more than 1,700 people and affected over 33 million, while last year’s monsoon season also triggered widespread flooding, killing more than 900 people.
