Nationwide Alert Issued by PMD Due to Monsoon Rains Bringing Risk of Flash Floods

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide alert due to heavy monsoon rains expected to hit various regions of the country tonight and Monday. This raises concerns over flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. The PMD mentioned that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, along with a westerly wave, are likely to impact the upper and central parts of the country. Heavy rainfall is forecast in several regions including Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, northeastern Punjab, hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, and parts of Balochistan. The department warned about potential flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, especially in hilly areas. Landslides and mudslides could result in road closures in vulnerable regions like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Urban flooding is also likely in low-lying areas of major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Strong windstorms may cause damage to power lines, trees, vehicles, and solar panels. Today, hot and humid conditions are expected across most of the country, with isolated thunderstorms in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Balochistan, and southern Punjab. On Monday, rain accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms is anticipated in scattered areas of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities advise residents in high-risk areas to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

According to the source: The Express Tribune.