ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast another intense spell of monsoon rains set to begin on Monday, August 4, raising alarms over the potential for flash floods and urban inundation in low-lying areas. The system is expected to impact large swathes of the country, particularly northern and central regions, over the coming days.
According to the PMD, areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience heavy downpours and possible cloudbursts. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will see thunderstorms and gusty winds accompanying the rainfall.
Punjab, which has already been severely affected by continuous rains, and Islamabad are also bracing for more heavy showers. Rain activity will likely extend into parts of Sindh and Balochistan by August 6, though in these regions, the showers may be more scattered.
Meteorologists have warned that this monsoon system could persist well beyond its usual seasonal duration, possibly stretching into late September due to shifting weather patterns linked to climate change. With southern regions of Pakistan so far receiving below-average rainfall, experts suggest that monsoon currents could begin moving southward around August 10, bringing much-needed rain to areas like Sindh.
The Met Office has advised local administrations to remain on high alert and prepare for potential overflow of streams, clogged drains, and water accumulation in vulnerable urban centers.
PDMA Issues Alerts Across Punjab Amid Sixth Monsoon Spell
In response to the incoming weather system, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a comprehensive alert covering most districts across the province. Heavy rains are predicted from August 5, increasing the risk of medium to high-level flooding in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers.
According to the PDMA, rain is forecast for major cities and districts, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Jhelum, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and Rajanpur, among others. Areas such as Murree and Galliyat are also under landslide warnings due to expected heavy downpours.
Water levels in key reservoirs show rising trends, with Tarbela Dam reported at 89% capacity and Mangla Dam at 61%. Low-level flooding has already been observed at Khanki in the Chenab River and at several points along the Indus River, including Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed has instructed district administrations to stay vigilant, while PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized that all civil defense, rescue, and disaster response teams, including Rescue 1122, should remain on high alert.
Residents, especially in vulnerable or flood-prone areas, are urged to follow safety guidelines. Travellers are advised to avoid unnecessary movement, particularly in landslide-prone regions. In case of emergency, citizens can contact PDMA’s 24/7 helpline at 1129.
