ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): More than 110 deaths including dozens of children, have been linked to monsoon rains in Pakistan since late June, according to government figures released on Monday.
The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) has predicted another spell of heavy rains in central, upper parts of country from July 15 to 17.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) data between June 26 and July 14 showed that electrocution was the major cause of fatalities, followed by flash floods.
Tragic monsoon scene
In a tragic monsoon scene late June, at least 13 tourists were swept away while protecting themselves from flash floods on a raised river bank.
In its latest report, the Authority said 111 people including 53 children have been killed, with the highest number of deaths in Punjab, the most populous province.
The PMD has predicted heavy rains from July 15 to 17 as a low-pressure area presently located over northwest Madhya Pradesh, India, is likely to affect Pakistan during the next 24 to 72 hours.
Under the influence of this weather pattern, strong monsoon currents are likely to penetrate the central and upper parts from July 15 to 17, according to a PMD statement.
The Met office has forecast very heavy rainfalls coupled with winds and thundershowers in parts of Kashmir, and isolated heavy falls in Gilgit-Baltistan from July 14 to 17, with occasional gaps.
Azad Kashmir
Rain-wind/thundershower with scattered heavy falls is expected in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum valley, Poonch, Hattian, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from July 14 night to 17.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Rain /thunderstorm with isolated heavy falls is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Skardu, Hunza, Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from July 14 night to July 17.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Rain and thundershower with scattered heavy falls is expected in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Hangu and Kurram from July 14 to 17.
Punjab/Islamabad
Rain/thundershower with scattered heavy falls is expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, D.G. Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lohdran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan, Kot Addu and Layyah from July 14 to 17.
Balochistan
Rain is expected in northeastern and southern parts of Balochistan province including Quetta, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Bolan, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Qilla Abdullah, Ziarat, Sherani, Jaffarabad, Kalat, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Awaran, Dera Bugti and Kohlu from July 14 to 16.
Sindh
Rain-wind/thundershower is likely in Sindh’s Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Khairpur and Shaheed Benazirabad from July 14 to 16. Light rain is also expected in Karachi.
NDMA has advised general public, travellers and tourists to avoid unusual exposure in vulnerable areas to avoid any untoward situation.
