Islamabad on ‘alert’ amid forecast of heavy rains

ISLAMABAD: The administration in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, has issued an alert as a precautionary measure for anticipated upcoming heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms.
“Scattered heavy to very heavy falls are also expected in Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions, Islamabad and Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday,” Pakistan’s Metrological Office said in its advisory.
“Heavy falls may generate flash flooding in Hazara, Malakand, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, D.G.Khan divisions, Islamabad and Kashmir, while urban flooding in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions during Wednesday and Thursday,” Met office said advising all concerned authorities including Resue 1122, CDA, and Pakistan Navy to remain “alert” and take precautionary measures during the forecast period.
Islamabad administration has imposed ban on boating and swimming in nullahs and dams in the capital with announcements made on loud speaker in low-lying areas near these water bodies cautioning people. 
According to the Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a total of 161 people have been killed and 137 others injured in rain-related incidents since July I, 2019 across the country due to the current monsoon-triggered heavy rainfalls.
Monsoon season in Pakistan, which usually runs from July to September, causes frequent flash floods and land slides in different parts of the country.