ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in several parts of the country from tonight through August 15, warning of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions.
According to the Met Office, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Heavy downpours could result in water accumulation and urban flooding in low-lying areas of both cities.
Rain has also been forecast for Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore and surrounding areas. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and take precautionary measures.
The weather system could also trigger landslides in the mountainous areas of Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir. Relevant departments have been directed to remain alert and ensure that necessary arrangements are in place to deal with any emergency.
The Meteorological Department has advised citizens to stay away from low-lying areas during heavy rainfall and to take weather and road conditions into account while travelling.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert regarding the fifth spell of monsoon rains across the province. According to the PDMA, upper and central parts of Punjab are expected to receive further rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy showers from August 13 to 15.
The PDMA said northeastern Punjab could experience rain and thunderstorms, with Murree, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Jhelum and Attock among the areas likely to be affected.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Rawalpindi and the Potohar region from the evening or night of August 13 through August 15.
Rainfall has also been forecast in Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Layyah, Bhakkar, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.
The PDMA warned that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas, while landslides remain a risk in Murree and Galiyat.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has also warned of possible landslides in mountainous areas and urban flooding in low-lying parts of several cities due to the expected rainfall.
According to the PDMA, rain is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Battagram and Mansehra, increasing the risk of landslides in mountainous areas.
The Met Office has also forecast rain in Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mohmand and Kurram.
The PDMA warned that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi, and directed relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
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