A developing weather system is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to several parts of Punjab, while disaster-management authorities have warned residents about possible river and flash flooding.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain in Attock, Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb and Choa Saidan Shah during the next two to four hours.
Rain-producing clouds are also developing over parts of the Potohar region. Showers with strong winds and thunderstorms are expected in Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, Dina, Gujrat, Mangla and Jhelum.
Isolated rain is also possible in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Residents have been advised to remain careful as weather conditions may change quickly.
NDMA issues flood warning
The National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergency Operations Centre has warned of higher water flows in major rivers and possible flash flooding until August 4.
NDMA’s official early-warning platform has highlighted severe urban-flooding risks for August 3 and 4. Its wider hazard outlook covers the period from July 31 to August 5.
High-level flooding has been reported at Head Gogi on River Lehri. Medium-level flooding has been recorded in Nullah Palkhu near Wazirabad.
Low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur on the Indus River.
High flows are expected at Marala on the Chenab River. Low to medium flows are also possible at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels may increase in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries.
Areas facing flash-flood risks
Flash flooding may affect the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur. Parts of central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan also face a possible risk.
Authorities have identified urban flooding and water accumulation concerns in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin and Thatta.
Travel and safety advice
People in vulnerable areas should avoid unnecessary travel and check current road and weather conditions before leaving home.
Drivers and pedestrians should never try to cross flowing floodwater. Water covering a road can hide damaged surfaces, open drains or strong currents.
Residents should stay away from rivers, nullahs, hill torrents and low-lying areas during heavy rain. Local administration and emergency-service instructions should also be followed.
In other news read more about: Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding in Shopian Village, SDRF Launches Rescue Operation
Weather and river conditions can change rapidly during monsoon spells. Residents of the affected areas should continue checking official PMD and NDMA updates.
