Heavy Rain, Flood Risk from July 20: PDMA 

News Desk 

Islamabad/Karachi: The fourth spell of the monsoon is set to begin on July 20 (Sunday), bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms, and potential urban flooding to several parts of the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

In response, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a safety advisory, warning citizens of possible disruptions and hazards linked to heavy rainfall and urging them to stay updated through official weather alerts.

PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Khatia, in a televised message, said intense rainfall could lead to urban flooding, road blockages, and dangerous water surges, especially in low-lying areas.

He urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and streams, and cooperate with local authorities during emergency situations.

“The PDMA is fully prepared and is in close coordination with district administrations across Punjab to respond swiftly in case of any emergencies,” he stated, adding that Rescue 1122 and other emergency services are on high alert round the clock. Citizens have been advised to immediately report any emergencies and follow official advisories.

Rain is forecast across several districts of Punjab including Lahore, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Shakargarh, Narowal, Chakwal, Sargodha, Gujarat, and Gujranwala. The Potohar region, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, is also expected to receive significant rainfall.

Meanwhile, in Sindh, the PMD has forecast rain-wind or thundershowers—with isolated heavy falls—for most parts of the province over the next 24 hours. Areas likely to be affected include Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, and several districts in the Thar region such as Mithi, Tharparkar, and Umerkot.

The Sindh weather advisory also covers other districts including Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sujawal, Chachro, Padaidan, Khairpur, Thatta, Ghotki, Chhor, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Nowshera Feroze, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Matiari.

Authorities in both provinces have urged the public to exercise caution, stay indoors where possible, and remain in touch with official sources for weather updates and emergency instructions.