ISLAMABAD: The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued impact-based weather alerts in anticipation of an incoming monsoon system and a powerful westerly wave expected to affect much of the country between July 6 and 10, with flash flood risks extending through July 12 in northern areas.
Rainfall Forecast and Regional Impacts
Islamabad and Punjab — including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, and Okara — are forecast to receive isolated rain and thunderstorms. Northern and central Punjab may experience widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, while southern districts like Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are expected to receive light to moderate showers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to see intense rain and thunderstorms in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu, and Kohat.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also in the path of moderate to heavy rainfall, especially in evening and nighttime hours. Flash flood warnings are in effect for Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh.
Sindh will likely experience isolated to moderate rainfall in cities such as Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, and Mithi. Heavier downpours are forecast in Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu, increasing the risk of urban flooding, infrastructure damage, and traffic jams.
Balochistan is also on alert for scattered to heavy rainfall in areas including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela, and Naseerabad. Potential impacts include waterlogging, wind damage, and road closures due to lightning and flooding.
Public Advisory and Precautionary Measures
The NDMA has advised citizens to stay indoors during severe weather, avoid unnecessary travel, and secure vehicles and outdoor belongings. Tourists are urged to avoid high-altitude and flood-prone regions throughout the forecast period.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure emergency teams are prepared, drains are cleared, and public awareness campaigns are launched. Motorists are especially warned against driving through flooded roads and underpasses.
The NDMA encouraged the public to stay informed via the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ app, which provides real-time weather updates and safety instructions.
Punjab on High Alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has also issued an alert for a second monsoon spell from July 5 to 10, warning of urban flooding and rising river levels across most districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, and Faisalabad.
Heavy downpours are expected in Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Mianwali, as well as southern areas like Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia cautioned about flooding in hill torrents and rain drains beginning July 7. Emergency departments — including Rescue 1122, health, irrigation, and sanitation — have been instructed to stay on high alert.
Recent PDMA rainfall data shows Jhelum recorded the highest precipitation at 31mm in the past 24 hours, followed by Mangla (29mm) and Attock (14mm).
New Monsoon Spell in Balochistan
The PDMA Balochistan has issued its own advisory for a fresh monsoon spell affecting 20 districts from July 4 to 8. Residents have been urged to take precautions against flash floods, landslides, and wind damage, especially in vulnerable areas.
Emergency services across the country remain on standby for rescue and evacuation operations as heavy monsoon activity intensifies.
