The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an impact-based NDMA issues monsoon alert July for multiple regions of Pakistan. The warning includes monsoon activity and a powerful westerly wave that is likely to occur between July 6 and 10. The northern regions are at risk of flash floods between July 7 and 12.
NDMA predicts isolated rain and thunderstorms in Islamabad and majority of the Punjab region including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur and Okara between July 6 and 10. Forecasters expect moderate to heavy rainfall across northern and central Punjab. Low to moderate showers may occur in southern districts like Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Charsadda, Battagram, Nowshera, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Bannu, Buner, and Kohat. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the evening and night. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli and Bagh may be hit by flash floods.
The weather may lead to flash floods in streams and nullahs, landslides, blockage of roads and power and communication lines.
Rainfall and Flood Risks in Sindh and Balochistan
Isolated to moderate rain is likely in Nawabshah, Tharparkar, Kashmore, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Karachi, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Jamshoro,Thatta, Badin, Tando Allahyar, and Mithi in Sindh. In Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, heavier downpours could cause urban flooding, traffic blockage and damage to infrastructure.
In Balochistan, scattered to heavy rainfall is predicted in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela and Naseerabad. The risks are waterlogging, traffic congestion and structural damages due to strong winds and lightning.
NDMA advises people to take precautionary measures like staying indoors when the weather is severe, not to travel unnecessarily and to tie loose items and vehicles. Tourists should avoid visiting flood-prone or high-altitude regions during this time.
Emergency response teams, drainage system cleanup, and awareness campaigns are all tasks that local governments must complete. Police are encouraging motorists not to use flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency services are on high alert in case of rescue and evacuation.
The NDMA also recommended citizens to keep track of its official advisories and to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app to receive real-time weather information and safety guidelines.
High Alert in Punjab & Balochistan
Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also issued a separate alert between July 5 and 10. The authority cautions against flooding in cities and increased river levels in the second monsoon spell. The affected districts are Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.
Heavy rainfall thunderstorms can hit Kasur, Okara, Khushab, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Sargodha and southern parts such as Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia cautioned of potential flooding in hill torrents and rain drains since July 7. Urban flooding may impact central and northern Punjab.
Rescue 1122, WASA, irrigation, and local government are among the departments that authorities have ordered to remain on high alert. People should avoid driving during storms, stay inside, and keep kids away from power lines and wet places.
According to the recent PDMA data, Jhelum recorded the maximum rainfall of 31mm, Mangla 29mm and Attock 14mm. Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Chakwal, and Multan reported lighter rainfall.
Balochistan Braces for Another Monsoon Spell
PDMA has also issued a weather alert in Balochistan of a new monsoon spell that is likely to occur between July 4 and 8. Meteorologists predict heavy rains in 20 districts, including Sherani, Ziarat, Musakhail, Duki, Loralai, Zhob, Sibi, Nasirabad, Khuzdar, Usta Muhammad, Kalat, Dera Bugti, Harnai, Lasbela, Surab, Awaran, Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, and Kohlu. Seasonal streams and rivers are likely to experience flash floods.
People should avoid picnic areas and dams. Tourists should avoid unnecessary travel. Deputy commissioners will keep a close watch on the situation and make sure that heavy machinery is available to maintain access to roads.
PDMA districts will remain ready to conduct rescue and relief efforts in the event that the rains cause any harm.
