ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more monsoon rains in the country that would last until July 17, warning of urban floods and landslides in a number of areas.
Pakistan has once again been witnessing the monsoon season that lasts in the country from late June till mid-September. The downpours have killed more than 90 people, including 40 children, so far this year, according to the country’s disaster management authority.
The Met Office said monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea were likely to penetrate upper and central parts of the country and likely to intensify on July 14, with thundershowers expected to lash these areas with occasional gaps.
“Heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore from 14th to 17th July,” the PMD said in a statement.
“[It] may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period.”
It forecast rains in Barkhan, Loralai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, DG Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas from July 14 till July 16.
The Met Office advised farmers to manage their activities keeping the forecast in view and tourists to remain extra cautious during the wet spell.
“Dust storm/wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels,” the advisory read. “General public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/heavy rains.”
The rains have returned to Pakistan a year after the climate-induced downpour swelled rivers and inundated at one point one-third of the country, killing 1,739 people.
The floods caused $30 billion in damage in cash-strapped Pakistan in 2022.
