WEBDESK: According to the latest Pakistan weather update, the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) emergency wing has warned of heavy rains, flash floods, and storms likely to affect various regions of the country between July 6 and July 10.
The advisory, based on alerts issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), has highlighted the potential dangers of strong monsoon activity combined with a westerly weather system.
According to the alert, northern parts of the country are expected to experience the most intense impact. From July 7 to 12, these areas are at heightened risk of flash flooding in local streams and nullahs.
Communities living in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh have been advised to remain vigilant as moderate to heavy evening and night rainfall could also trigger landslides and block roads.
Meanwhile, parts of Punjab are expected to receive both widespread and isolated rainfall. Moderate to heavy rain is predicted in northern and central Punjab, including cities such as Lahore, Gujrat, Sargodha, and Faisalabad.
Islamabad and neighbouring areas like Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum may also witness thunderstorms and showers during this period.
There is a probability of lighter rainfall but continuous rainfall over parts of southern Punjab in Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
The NEOC has cautioned that a rain combined with strong winds and lightning may cause damage to weak structures and disrupt daily life through waterlogging and traffic delays.
It is also likely to impact Khyber Pakhtunkhwa strongly. Areas like Swat, Dir, Chitral, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad are having alert against heavy rain and possible flooding.
The thunderstorms can also affect other regions of the country such as Bannu, Kohat, Peshawar, Swabi, and Mardan.
In Sindh, areas including Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, and Tharparkar could experience isolated to moderate rainfall, while heavier downpours are likely in Ghotki, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Dadu, and Shikarpur.
The NDMA has cautioned that this could lead to urban flooding, road congestion, and infrastructure damage in low-lying urban areas.
Balochistan may not be spared either. Scattered to heavy rain is forecast in cities including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Awaran, Lasbela, and Naseerabad.
Flash flooding and land erosion may result in power and communication outages in parts of the province.
Pakistan weather update: NDMA recommendations
The NDMA has advised the people to remain indoors during the harsh weather, secure household items and vehicles, and not to travel unnecessarily.
It is highly recommended that tourists not visit hilly or flood-prone zones during the alert period.
Local governments have been instructed to prepare the emergency services to make sure they are ready, to carry out public awareness as well as to ensure that the drainage system is clear before the rains.
Drivers have also been discouraged from getting into the underpasses with flooded roads as it might be unsafe.
Rescue teams will be on alert in different areas that have been hit by the disaster to facilitate possible rescue efforts.
People are being advised to continue monitoring the announcements of authorities and to download the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App to obtain real-time warnings and guidelines on safety.
Read more: Pakistan weather update: NDMA warns of flash floods, GLOFs, urban flooding
