PMD monsoon forecast indicates that a fresh spell of widespread rainfall will affect Pakistan from July 29 to August 5, with authorities warning of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in several regions. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, combined with a stronger westerly wave, are expected to intensify rainfall across upper and central parts of the country.
According to the PMD, heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan between July 30 and August 4. The department also cautioned that flash floods could occur in streams and hill torrents across northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and northeastern Balochistan.
The weather advisory warned of landslides in hilly areas, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Murree, Galliyat and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert throughout the forecast period.
The PMD said rainfall with thunderstorms is expected in most districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, although rainfall intensity will vary by region. Southern Sindh and eastern Balochistan are also likely to receive moderate to heavy showers during the first week of August.
Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Division said the Indus River remained at low flood levels at Kalabagh, Taunsa and Guddu, while the Ravi River continued flowing at low flood levels at Balloki and Sidhnai. It added that water levels at Guddu and Sukkur are expected to rise to medium flood levels over the coming days.
During a briefing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, NDMA officials said the overall monsoon system remains focused on northern Pakistan, with eastern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir expected to receive the heaviest rainfall during the first ten days of August. Authorities are continuing rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities in affected areas.
Officials informed the meeting that 110 people have died, 360 have been injured, 796 houses have been damaged and 376 livestock animals have perished during the ongoing monsoon season. The prime minister directed all federal and provincial authorities to remain fully prepared for emergencies and ensure timely public warnings as heavy rains continue across the country.
