WEBDESK: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted heavy rains with thunderstorms across several parts of the country.
Torrential downpours are likely in upper KP, Potohar and Kashmir. By evening or night, southern Punjab, northeastern and southern Balochistan, and southeastern Sindh are also expected to receive heavy showers.
This spell of heavy rains is likely to continue until 21 August.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore likely to receive heavy showers
Rain with thunder has been forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, DG Khan and other major cities. In KP, strong winds and rain are expected in Swat, Dir, Chitral, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Peshawar and Waziristan, with heavy rainfall in some areas. Karachi, Badin, Dadu, Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar are also likely to experience showers.
Heavy rains and landslides expected in KP, GB and Kashmir: Met Office
The PMD warned that heavy rains may trigger flash floods in nullahs and streams of upper KP, Kashmir, GB, Potohar and northeast Punjab. Landslides may block roads in hilly areas including Murree, Galliyat and Mansehra.
During the past 24 hours, flash floods caused by cloudbursts and heavy rains left more than 200 people dead in northern Pakistan. The NDMA confirmed that 180 people died in KP, five in GB, and nine in Azad Kashmir. Dozens more were injured, and casualties are feared to rise.
A rescue helicopter carrying relief supplies crashed in Bajaur’s Salarzai area due to bad weather, killing five personnel on board.
In response, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high alert. Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners have been ordered to stay vigilant. Rescue equipment, lifeboats, and medical teams are on standby.
DG PDMA Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, said the new monsoon spell is stronger and 24 hour monitoring of rivers, streams and low-lying areas is under way. He warned that storm activity and cloudbursts are possible in upper Punjab districts, urging people to remain alert.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and keep track of weather updates.
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