Pakistan is on high alert as relentless monsoon rains continue to batter large swathes of the country, prompting emergency warnings of rising river flows, flash floods, and potential urban inundation in vulnerable areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) have advised residents to stay away from low-lying regions, with alerts in place until July 17. The monsoon activity, fueled by moisture from the Arabian Sea, remains intense in Punjab, where intermittent showers in Lahore have raised humidity levels and strained drainage systems.
Since June 26, torrential rains and flash floods have claimed at least 98 lives and left 185 injured nationwide, according to NDMA figures. Punjab recorded the highest number of casualties at 37, including 20 children, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with 30 fatalities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts light rain and temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C in Lahore, as the PDMA continues to issue rainfall and wind warnings. NDMA’s latest hydrological outlook warns of intensified rainfall across the country through July 17, with all major rivers—including the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum (upstream of Mangla), and Chenab—likely to experience elevated flows.
Southern and central Balochistan face heightened flood risks, particularly in Jhal Magsi, Sibi, Zhob, and Khuzdar, while urban flooding is a growing concern in Karachi and parts of Punjab. Authorities are urging residents near rivers, nullahs, and drainage lines to identify evacuation routes and secure valuables, vehicles, and livestock in safer areas.
District governments have placed dewatering equipment on standby, and temporary shelters have been established in several areas. In KP, tributaries of the Swat and Panjkora rivers are under close watch after recent heavy downpours caused the Jendi River to overflow, damaging a bridge and gas pipeline in Charsadda’s Tangi tehsil. Rising levels at Playi Dam forced the opening of spillways, releasing nearly 8,000 cusecs of water downstream.
The NDMA’s alert also covers Islamabad, where Kalabagh and Chashma are under moderate flood conditions, and Taunsa is expected to see further water level increases. Across affected regions, dozens of schools have been converted into shelters, and emergency vehicles have been deployed to evacuate residents.
As the monsoon system intensifies, authorities remain on high alert to mitigate further loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
(With input from IANS)
