Heavy Rainfall Forecasted for Southern Pakistan from August 25
RAWALPINDI: Met Office Predicts Heavy Rainfall in Southern Pakistan Starting August 25 The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall expected across southern Pakistan from August 25 to 29.
According to the advisory released on Friday, a low-pressure system over West Bengal is anticipated to move westward and reach southern Pakistan by August 25. This system is expected to bring strong monsoon currents, leading to significant rainfall, wind, and thunderstorms in various regions.
Expected Rainfall Areas:
- Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tharparkar, Nagarparkar, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umarkot, Matiari, Sanghar, Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Khairpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Nausharo Feroze from August 25 to 29.
- Balochistan: Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbela, Awaran, Nasirabad, Sibi, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Harnai, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Quetta, Ziarat, Sherani, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Loralai, Mastung, Bolan, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, and Ormara from August 26 to 30.
- Punjab and Islamabad: Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan from August 25 to 28.
- Northern Areas: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from August 25 to 28.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan from August 26 to 28.
Warnings and Preparations:
The PMD has issued warnings for potential flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab, along with flash floods in urban centers. Hill torrents are expected in various regions, including D.G. Khan, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Jaffarabad, Sibi, Nasirabad, Barkhan, Loralai, Awaran, Panjgur, Washuk, Mastung, and Lasbela. Coastal flooding may also occur along the Sindh-Makran coast from August 26 to 29.
Heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in mountainous areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The advisory cautions that intense downpours, windstorms, and lightning may damage infrastructure, including roads and power lines.
Farmers and tourists are advised to plan their activities accordingly. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has alerted local administrations to prepare for possible flash floods due to hill torrents. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has urged officials to remain vigilant and monitor the situation continuously.
Concerns in Balochistan:
In Balochistan, an activist from Nasirabad has criticized the lack of effective action by authorities to mitigate damage from recent floods. Hameeda Noor, a human rights activist, highlighted the extensive damage caused by the recent monsoon rains and accused the Balochistan PDMA of failing to protect lives and property. Noor emphasized the need for proactive measures and better resource allocation to address climate-related challenges.
In Lahore, some areas experienced a mix of rainfall and sunshine, with parts of the city like Gulberg, Model Town, and Johar Town receiving rain.
