ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert, forecasting widespread heavy rains across the country from July 14 to 17, that may lead to floods in plain areas, and landslides in hilly regions.
Heavy downpour may also cause urban flooding, and infrastructure damage.
According to the Met Office, continuing rainfall during this period could lead to the inundation of low-lying areas in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Peshawar, and Nowshera. In upper regions, the risk of landslides remains high due to saturated soil conditions.
The authorities now expect similar downpours across Punjab as Lahore witnessed past week, in the coming days. According to the deputy director of the Met Office, Thursday’s rain will last for the next 24 to 36 hours with a continuing pattern of torrential rains likely over the next several days.
Rain may affect infrastructure
“Travelers and tourists are advised to plan their movements accordingly,” said a PMD spokesperson, warning that weak infrastructure, trees, solar panels, billboards, and vehicles may sustain damage during the rains.
According to the Met Office, rainfall is expected in Dir, Chitral, Malakand, Swat, Buner, Kohat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Waziristan, Hangu, Mardan, Swabi, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.
In Punjab and Islamabad, heavy rain is forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Chakwal, Jhelum, Attock, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, as well as Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Layyah, and Rajanpur in south Punjab.
Showers are likely in Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Sherani, Loralai, and Lasbela.
Rain is also expected in Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Karachi, and Benazirabad (Nawabshah) of Sindh.
The Met Office has urged local administrations to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency response teams.
Meanwhile, citizens have been advised to stay informed through official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, and take precautions to protect their property and safety.
