WEBDESK: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more monsoon rains across the country until 25 July, as severe weather continues to cause loss of life and property. The situation is especially alarming in Punjab, where 70 people have died in the last 48 hours due to rain related incidents.
The PMD reported that monsoon currents are currently penetrating Sindh and upper parts of Pakistan, with intensity expected to increase from 20 July. A westerly weather wave is also expected to reach the northern regions on 21 July, contributing to more rain across the country. As a result, widespread monsoon rains with varying intensity are expected from 18 to 25 July, with brief pauses in between.
Heavy Rain Forecast Across Sindh
In Sindh, moderate to heavy monsoon rains are likely between 18 and 20 July in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpur Khas, Tharparkar, Umer Kot, Nawabshah, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Tando Allahyar, and Sanghar.
More Monsoon Rains in Punjab, Islamabad
In Punjab and Islamabad, from 20 to 25 July, cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Multan are expected to receive intermittent monsoon rains with heavy to very heavy downpours. Some southern districts like Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan may see scattered showers as early as 18 to 19 July, with another spell expected from 21 to 23 July.
Monsoon Rains Expected in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Balochistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will also experience monsoon rains from 21 to 25 July in areas such as Chitral, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, DI Khan, Waziristan, and other surrounding districts.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms are expected from 20 to 26 July in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Shigar, and Ghanche.
Balochistan will see lighter rainfall in Lasbela, Khuzdar, Quetta, Kalat, Awaran, and parts of northern Balochistan on 18 to 19 July, and again from 22 to 25 July.
123 dead, 462 injured as monsoon rains batter Punjab
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 123 people have died across Punjab since 25 June due to weather-related incidents. Of these, 71 deaths occurred in the past two days alone. In addition, 462 people have been injured as a result of flash floods, collapsing buildings, and electrocution incidents linked to the heavy monsoon rains.
Urban areas have been hit particularly hard. Streets and low lying areas in major cities have flooded, disrupting transport, damaging homes, and causing power outages.
Heavy Monsoon Rains Spark Flood, Landslide Alerts Across Pakistan
The PMD has warned of flash floods in hill torrents and local streams across northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir between 21 and 25 July. Rivers and streams in Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Murree, Galiyat, and Islamabad/Rawalpindi are at high risk of sudden flooding.
Urban flooding is also feared in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and surrounding cities. The possibility of landslides and mudslides in hilly areas such as Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir could block major roads and disrupt travel.
The strong monsoon rains may also bring gusty winds and lightning, which could damage vulnerable structures like old buildings, electric poles, signboards, and solar panels. Citizens have been urged to stay away from water channels and avoid unnecessary travel to dangerous areas.
Rescue Operations and Evacuations Underway
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia shared that over 1,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas in the Potohar region. This includes 398 from Jhelum, 209 from Chakwal, and 450 from Rawalpindi. Emergency services have been activated, and further evacuations are expected as weather conditions worsen.
Chief Minister Declares Rain Emergency
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared a rain emergency across the province. She is expected to visit Chakwal, one of the worst-affected districts, where record rainfall was recorded over the past three days. The Chief Minister has instructed all departments to provide full support to victims, ensure drainage of water, and assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Latest Advisories and Precautionary Alerts
Both the PMD and PDMA have issued new weather advisories for federal and provincial authorities. They have been directed to stay on high alert, prepare for rescue operations, and keep the public informed. Travellers and tourists are advised to postpone non-essential visits to hilly regions or flood-prone areas.
The Indus River is expected to rise near Kalabagh and Chashma, where high-level flood alerts have also been issued. Local communities living along riverbanks and canals have been told to prepare for possible evacuation.
With more monsoon rains on the way, authorities are racing against time to prevent further loss of life and minimise damage. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and act responsibly during this dangerous spell of weather.
Read more: Pakistan weather update: Rain to continue in several regions as heat, humidity persist
