ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more monsoon rains across the country in the coming days, warning of heavy downpours, urban flooding, and landslides in several areas. A fresh westerly wave is expected to enter the country on the evening of July 13, which will intensify the ongoing monsoon activity.
In its latest weather advisory, the PMD stated that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are entering the upper and central parts of the country. This will result in rain and thunderstorms from July 11 to 17 in many regions, with some areas likely to experience very heavy rainfall.
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan:
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to receive scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall. Areas such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber are likely to be affected in Kashmir. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, and Ghizer between July 11 and 16.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also experience widespread rain, particularly in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Malakand, Shangla, Abbottabad, and Peshawar from July 11 to 17. These areas may face risks of landslides in hilly regions.
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Punjab and Islamabad:
In Punjab and Islamabad, heavy rainfall is predicted in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sialkot. Rainfall in these areas may cause urban flooding from July 11 to 17. Southern Punjab areas such as Multan, Bahawalpur, and D.G. Khan may also receive isolated heavy showers during this period.
Balochistan:
Balochistan is also under a rain alert, especially in the northeastern and southern districts. Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Lasbela are likely to experience scattered heavy rainfall between July 11 and 17.
Sindh:
In Sindh, moderate rainfall is expected in Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Karachi, Sukkur, and Larkana between July 15 and 17, with occasional breaks.
Possible Impacts and Precautions
The PMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rains may generate flash floods in local streams and nullahs, especially in Murree, Galiyat, and parts of KP and Balochistan from July 14 to 17. Urban flooding is also expected in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.
Landslides are likely in hilly areas of KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms may damage weak structures like rooftops, electric poles, and solar panels.
Farmers are advised to manage their schedules according to the weather forecast, while travelers and tourists should avoid visiting vulnerable and hilly regions during the wet spell.
The PMD has urged all authorities and the public to stay alert and take necessary precautions to avoid any untoward incidents.
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