Lahore, Rawalpindi Among Cities Facing Highest Urban Flood Risk
Six major cities in Punjab have been placed on urban flood alert as heavy monsoon rainfall is expected to continue across the province.
The Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has identified Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Gujrat as being at risk of urban flooding during the next 24 to 48 hours.
Local administrations and emergency departments have been advised to remain prepared as more rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy downpours are expected.
The warning comes amid an active monsoon spell affecting Islamabad, upper Punjab, Kashmir and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The FFD said widespread rain, wind and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are expected over the upper catchments of the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Punjab districts expected to receive significant rainfall include Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Rawalpindi, Narowal, Sheikhupura and Sialkot.
Scattered thunderstorms are also forecast for Faisalabad, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Mandi Bahauddin and other areas.
The latest warning means low-lying neighbourhoods, underpasses and poorly drained roads could experience water accumulation if intense rainfall continues.
Authorities are particularly concerned about areas where drainage systems can become overwhelmed during short periods of heavy rain.
Ravi and Chenab Rivers Could Reach Low to Medium Flood Levels
The flood threat is not limited to major cities.
The FFD has warned that the Ravi and Chenab rivers, along with their associated channels, could reach low to medium flood levels during the ongoing weather system.
River flows across several major waterways are already being closely monitored.
The Indus River has also recorded elevated flows at important locations.
Recent FFD data showed low to medium flood conditions around some Indus monitoring points, while authorities continued watching Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu.
Earlier forecasts had also warned that the Jhelum River at Mangla could reach a low flood level during the active monsoon spell.
Similar conditions were expected at selected monitoring stations along the Chenab and Ravi river systems.
The Flood Forecasting Division has also warned of possible flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.
Tributaries connected to the Kabul River could face similar risks as heavy rainfall continues over parts of northern Pakistan.
Fast-rising water levels in smaller streams and mountain channels can create dangerous conditions within a short period.
Residents living close to waterways have therefore been advised to remain alert to official warnings.
Punjab Authorities Told to Remain Ready as Rain Continues
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has also warned about the possibility of urban and flash flooding during the latest monsoon spell.
Its current alerts highlight the risk of flooding in metropolitan areas and vulnerable waterways across Punjab.
Emergency services and district administrations are expected to maintain close monitoring of drainage systems, rivers and flood-prone neighbourhoods.
Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm urban drainage networks, particularly where water channels are blocked or already carrying large volumes.
The latest FFD outlook indicates that widespread thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall could continue across upper Punjab and surrounding regions through August 21, with occasional breaks.
This means the flood threat may persist even if rainfall temporarily weakens.
Authorities have urged residents of vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary movement during intense rainfall and remain cautious near rivers, drainage channels and flooded roads.
Motorists should also avoid attempting to cross roads where water depth or current strength cannot be determined.
Continued monitoring will remain essential as additional rainfall could quickly increase water levels in rivers and urban drainage channels.
