ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a warning of potential urban flooding and landslides as pre-monsoon rains are expected to hit upper and central regions of Pakistan from June 25 to 30. The NDMA has directed provinces to prioritize public safety and take necessary precautions during this period.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had previously forecasted rain and wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls in the upper and central parts of the country, influenced by moist weather conditions.
The areas expected to receive rainfall, with occasional breaks, include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.
Additionally, Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana are expected to experience rains and wind-thundershowers from June 27 to 28.
The NDMA’s weather advisory highlights that the prevailing heatwave conditions are likely to subside due to the incoming weather system. However, heavy rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore from June 26 to 27. There is also a risk of flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and adjoining areas of north-east Balochistan on June 27.
Pakistan’s Preparations for Pre-Monsoon Rains
The authority has cautioned that duststorms, wind-thunderstorms, and heavy falls might cause damage to structures such as electrical poles, solar panels, hoardings, trees, and under-construction buildings.
In response to the warning, all provincial, Gilgit Baltistan, and State Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs, GBDMA, and SDMA respectively), as well as relevant line departments, ministries, and federal agencies, have been directed to take necessary measures according to their mandates.
The NDMA has also called on the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), PDMAs, and PIDs to continuously monitor water levels in rivers, streams, and urban drainage systems to detect any signs of rising water and initiate early response measures.
Authorities have been advised to proactively maintain nullahs and stormwater drains to ensure proper functioning and prevent blockages that could lead to flooding. The general public is urged to seek shelter in safe areas, such as sturdy buildings or underground structures, during dust-wind and thunderstorms, while avoiding objects that pose a risk of falling or being struck by lightning.
Furthermore, farmers are advised to take necessary mitigative and precautionary measures to protect their crops, including timely harvesting, safe storage, and other precautions against the adverse effects of dust-wind-thunderstorms and hailstorms.
