Disaster management authorities place districts on alert as thunderstorms threaten urban flooding, flash floods and landslides through Sunday
LAHORE/PESHAWAR: Provincial authorities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have warned residents about a fresh spell of rain and thunderstorms expected across central and northern Pakistan over the weekend.
Following a Pakistan Meteorological Department advisory, the provincial disaster management authorities said widespread rainfall could continue from Friday evening through Sunday.
Punjab expects heavy rain in Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal and Okara. Meanwhile, showers could affect Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Multan, Bahawalpur and several other districts.
Similarly, KP expects rainfall across Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera and surrounding districts.
Urban Flooding and Landslide Risks Increase
Authorities warned that heavy downpours could trigger urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal in Punjab and Mardan and Swabi in KP.
Moreover, landslides could threaten Murree, Galiyat and mountainous districts of KP, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan and Abbottabad.
Punjab PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain alert and prepare for possible emergencies.
The authority also warned residents against sheltering inside weak or mud-built structures during thunderstorms.
Rising River Flows Put Authorities on Alert
Meanwhile, increased monsoon flows have produced a moderate flood at Kalabagh on the Indus River, where authorities recorded an inflow of 425,000 cusecs and an outflow of 416,000 cusecs.
Low-level flooding continues at Tarbela, Chashma and Taunsa, while Nala Palkho in Wazirabad faces high-level flooding.
Additionally, Tarbela Dam has reached 100 per cent capacity, while Mangla Dam stands at 72pc.
Punjab has recorded 54 deaths and 341 injuries in rain-related incidents during the current monsoon season.
Authorities have urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and advised residents to remain away from rivers, streams and stormwater drains.
