Web Desk: Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several other parts of northern Pakistan are likely to receive more rain and thunderstorms on Sept. 4 and 5, with the weather system raising the risk of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said moist monsoon currents were moving into the upper parts of the country, while a westerly weather system was expected to intensify over the region during the period.
According to the forecast, rain and thundershowers could affect Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock.
Several districts in Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Kasur, could also experience rainfall.
The weather department warned that some areas could receive isolated heavy to very heavy downpours.
Rain and thunderstorms are also expected across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Meanwhile, southern parts of the country are likely to remain hot and humid.
The Met Office warned that intense rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore and Sialkot.
In addition, heavy showers could cause flash floods in local streams and waterways in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other parts of the Potohar region.
Hilly areas could face another hazard as heavy rain may trigger landslides in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
In response to the forecast, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Salman Ghani ordered government departments to remain on high alert and complete precautionary measures ahead of the expected rainfall.
Ghani said authorities were acting on special directions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure that institutions were prepared for heavy rain and possible urban flooding.
He instructed the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, district administrations, municipal corporations, health authorities, police and traffic police to maintain a strong field presence and coordinate closely.
Authorities were also directed to keep drainage systems fully operational, particularly in low-lying areas.
The commissioner ordered officials to ensure that dewatering pumps, machinery and other emergency equipment remained ready for immediate deployment.
Officials were told to respond without delay if rainwater accumulated on roads or in residential areas, as authorities brace for potentially intense rainfall across the twin cities and surrounding districts.
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