ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authority on Wednesday directed its departments to remain on “high alert” as the meteorological department forecast that the monsoon system in the country would “intensify” from July 19-23. 

According to international media reports, up to 14,000 people were evacuated from villages in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province last week as heavy rains lashed Pakistan and neighboring India. 

The summer monsoon brings South Asia 70-80 percent of its annual rainfall between June and September and is vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers in a region of around two billion people. However, it also triggers flash floods that often cause deaths via electrocution, drowning, and other accidents. 

“In continuation of advisory issued by NDMA at reference, monsoon system presently affecting the country will intensify from today onwards for next 3-4 days,” a statement by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated. 

The NDMA warned heavy rains may trigger floods in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Karachi, and other urban centers during the week. 

“Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and the State of Azad Jammu &Kashmir during the forecasted period,” the NDMA advisory said. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan’s national and provincial disaster management authorities held a meeting with the army along with the flood forecasting center, rescue services, and other related bodies. 

Officials were briefed that the flow of water in Pakistan’s Mangala, Tarbela, and Samli dams was “normal” following heavy rains while the rapid flow of water over the next 12 hours could cause flooding in Shahdara’s low-lying areas. 

The NDMA urged all departments to stay on “high alert” amid the forecast of heavy rains this week. 

Torrential rains lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday morning, causing the deaths of 11 people in the capital city after a wall came crashing down near an under-construction bridge.