Rain, thunderstorms forecast for Pakistan's Punjab and KP provinces; flood, landslide risks warned

Pakistan's Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces are bracing for a new spell of rain and thunderstorms, predicted to affect central and northern areas from Friday evening through Sunday. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued an advisory, prompting Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to warn residents of potential hazards.

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An alert has been issued to the district administrations in accordance with the Punjab chief minister’s directives.

In Punjab, heavy rainfall is expected in major cities like Lahore, Sargodha, and Faisalabad, as well as in several other districts. The PDMA has flagged a risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal. Additionally, hilly areas such as Murree and Galiyat face the threat of landslides. Similar warnings have been issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with rain anticipated in upper districts and plains, including Peshawar and Swat, and a risk of urban flooding in Mardan and Swabi.

These forecasts come as the region grapples with the ongoing monsoon season, which has already resulted in significant casualties. According to the PDMA, 54 people have lost their lives and 341 have been injured in rain-related incidents thus far. While no fatalities were reported in the 24 hours preceding the advisory, authorities are maintaining a high alert.

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There is a risk of flash floods in rainwater drains, adding that alerts had been issued to the health, irrigation, communication and livestock departments.

Directives have been issued to district administrations to remain vigilant. Citizens are urged to take precautionary measures, including avoiding dilapidated structures and protecting themselves from lightning and windstorms. The PDMA is also monitoring increased water flows in Punjab's rivers, with a moderate flood situation reported on the Indus River at Kalabagh. Water levels in other major rivers like the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej remain at normal levels.

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Citizens should also protect themselves from lightning strikes and windstorms.