Heavy rains, floods likely across Pakistan this week

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more widespread rains across the country as a strong monsoon weather system approaches from India. The deep depression currently lies over North Gujarat and is expected to move westwards, affecting adjoining regions of Pakistan in the next 24 to 36 hours.

According to the Met Office, this system will trigger strong monsoon currents penetrating the southern half of the country, bringing heavy to very heavy rains with thunderstorms and gusty winds in multiple provinces.

Sindh:
From September 7 (evening/night) to September 10, widespread rain-wind/thunderstorms with scattered heavy to exceptionally heavy falls are expected in Tharparkar (Mithi, Islamkot, Nagarparkar, Chachro, Dhali, Diplo, Kaloi), Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Dadu, Kashmore, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, and Ghotki.

Punjab/Islamabad:
Rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are forecast from September 7 to 9 in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Isolated rains are also expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad.

Balochistan:
From September 7 to 10, rain with scattered heavy falls is predicted in Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Naseerabad, Bolan, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Pasni, the Makran coast, and Gwadar.

Kashmir:
Rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are likely in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from September 7 to 9.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
From September 7 to 9, rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, and Kurram.

Possible impacts

• Urban and coastal flooding is likely in low-lying areas of Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Dadu, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Sukkur, and Larkana.

• Rising water levels may be observed in Hub Dam, while more rainfall in already flood-hit areas of Sindh and Punjab could worsen the situation.

• Flash flooding is expected in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, eastern and southern Balochistan, and the Kirthar Range (Dadu) between September 8 and 10.

• Landslides may disrupt roads in Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

• Windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including Kacha houses, billboards, solar panels, vehicles, and electric poles.

Advisory

The PMD has advised the public, travelers, and tourists to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas, and stay updated on the latest weather conditions to prevent any untoward incidents.