The fourth spell of monsoon rains is set to begin tomorrow across Pakistan, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms forecast for several regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.
The Meteorological Department has also predicted rain for today in parts of Punjab, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PDMA Punjab Issues High Alert Amid Flood Threat
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high alert to all district administrations as flood-like conditions are emerging at various points along the River Indus.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Key Punjab Cities
PDMA’s spokesperson warned of significant rainfall from July 20 to 25 in cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Multan.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Khatia stated that flood conditions have developed at the lower and middle sections of the River Indus, particularly at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma, with a high flood level expected at Chashma.
Floodwaters Submerge Fields; Evacuations Underway
At Kalabagh, river water has overflowed into surrounding areas such as Kamar Mashani, Muddat Wala, Cheena Pora, Kacha Gujrat, and Dhengana, submerging thousands of acres of farmland. So far, rescue teams have evacuated 223 people and 162 animals. Water inflow at Jinnah Barrage has reached 296,629 cusecs, with an outflow of 289,079 cusecs.
Karachi: Cloudy Weather with Light Rain Forecast
In Karachi, the sky remains overcast, with light rain expected. The city is currently at 31°C with 72% humidity. The temperature may rise to 35°C, with sea breezes blowing at 11 km/h from the southwest.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain Likely in Northern Districts
Rain is expected in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Battagram, Shangla, Haripur, Kohistan, Torghar, and Mansehra. Yesterday, Kakul recorded 14mm of rain and Balakot 3mm. The lowest temperatures were 13°C in Malam Jabba and 17°C in Kalam.
Balochistan: Heavy Showers Expected Amid Heat
While most of Balochistan remains hot and humid, heavy rains are forecast in Barkhan, Sibi, Musa Khel, Zhob, Loralai, Dera Bugti, and Awaran. Temperatures reached 46°C in Nokundi, 41°C in Sibi and Turbat, 36°C in Chaman, and 33°C in Gwadar and Jiwani.
Punjab Toll: 123 Dead, 462 Injured, 150 Buildings Damaged
So far during this monsoon season, 123 people have died in Punjab, 462 have been injured, and 150 buildings damaged. The causes include lightning, electrocution, drowning, and collapsing structures.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from rivers, streams, and risky locations during the rains. In emergencies, citizens are advised to contact Rescue 1122 immediately.
