Heavy Rains Trigger Flood Warnings Across Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: The ongoing monsoon spell has intensified, and the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in several cities across the country, including Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, starting today.

Rising river levels have already led to flood-like conditions in some areas.

Light rain was recorded in various parts of Karachi last night, while heavy downpours in Dera Ismail Khan caused flooding in low-lying areas.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rains in the coming days in Islamabad and various cities in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir.

There are also concerns of potential cloudbursts in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock.

Experts predict rain accompanied by thunder in Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and nearby regions. Rainfall is also expected in Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan, Swabi, Jhelum, and Gujrat.

Some areas may witness intense rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods in rivers and canals, as well as waterlogging in low-lying regions. The public is advised to take necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan are expected to continue until August 22. According to the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore, the Indus River is currently experiencing moderate flooding at the Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa barrages, with low-level flooding observed at Guddu Barrage.

The Sutlej River is also facing a low-level flood situation at Head Sulemanki and Ganda Singh Wala.

Lahore is under the influence of a weak monsoon system, resulting in dry and humid weather conditions.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an advisory for possible rainfall between August 17 and 23, urging district administrations, WASA, and LWMC to remain on high alert.

Water levels in Punjab’s rivers are steadily rising. According to a PDMA spokesperson, current water flows are recorded at 330,000 cusecs at Tarbela, 432,000 cusecs at Kalabagh, 480,000 cusecs at Chashma, and 454,000 cusecs at Taunsa.

The PDMA Director General has warned that rainfall in northern areas may lead to a further increase in river flows and has urged residents living near riverbanks to relocate to safer areas.