Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a serious warning of a significant intensification of monsoon activity across the country, starting from the evening of July 5. This new spell is predicted to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and a heightened risk of flash floods and urban flooding in numerous regions.
According to the Met Office, moist monsoon currents are continuously penetrating Pakistan and are expected to strengthen significantly over the weekend. Further contributing to the anticipated heavy rainfall, a westerly wave is also forecast to approach the upper parts of Pakistan on July 6.
Expected Impacts and Advisories: Flash Flooding and Urban Flooding: Local nullahs and streams, particularly in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, and hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeast Punjab, are highly susceptible to flash floods. Low-lying areas in major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar are likely to experience urban flooding between July 6 and 8.
Landslides and Road Closures: Vulnerable hilly areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan face a significant risk of landslides and mudslides, which may lead to road closures and disruptions for travelers during this wet spell.
Infrastructure Damage: The combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning poses a threat to weak structures. This includes the roofs and walls of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels, which could sustain damage.
Increased River Flows & GLOF Risk: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also warned of increased river flows across the country, particularly in the Kabul River near Nowshera, and potential low flood limits at Tarbela Dam. In mountainous regions, the ongoing high temperatures accelerating glacier and snow melt compound the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in addition to flash floods.
The PMD has strongly advised farmers to manage their agricultural activities considering the weather forecast. Public, travelers, and tourists are vehemently urged to avoid unnecessary exposure in vulnerable areas and to stay continuously updated on weather developments through official channels to prevent any untoward situations. All concerned authorities have been advised to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks.
