Pakistan authorities forecast rains and thunderstorms on Eid Al-Adha, urge caution

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday warned of rains and thunderstorms in parts of the country during the three-day Eid Al-Adha holiday starting from June 17, urging citizens to exercise caution.
The authority said rains and thunderstorms were expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab from June 15 till June 19 that could be extended up to June 22.
The forecast was made in light of warmer than average temperatures across the South Asian country of more than 241 million, according to the NDMA.
“Rainfall may trigger landslides, mudslides or falling boulders potentially disrupting roads during this period in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Gilgit Baltistan and State of AJ&K,” it said in an advisory.
“Rainfall may cause flash flooding in local nullahs [in Balochistan]. Hill torrents may be triggered in Sulaiman and the Kirthar Range.”
Isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Punjab and Sindh provinces from June 20 till June 22.
“Hill torrents may be triggered in DG Khan and Rajanpur. Rainfall with chances of heavy falls may generate flash / urban flooding in municipalities / local nullahs / streams and river tributaries,” the NDMA said.
“Thunderstorms to increase risk of lightning strikes. Electricity / other utility services may get disrupted.”
The authority advised citizens to plan travels to picnic and tourist spots considering weather and traffic conditions.
“Avoid overcrowding picnic and tourist spots and ensure personal safety. Keep children away from nullahs / potholes / drainage lines to avoid accidents,” it said.
“Do not risk crossing any drain or road overtopping with water flow. Wait for flows to normalize and prioritize/ ensure safety.”
Earlier this week, a top UN official warned that an estimated 200,000 people in Pakistan could be affected by the upcoming monsoon season, which is expected to bring heavier rains than usual.
The United Nations, with help from local authorities, has prepared a contingency plan, with $40 million set aside to respond to any emergencies, said Mohamed Yahya, the newly appointed Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan.
However, the rains would not be as heavy as in 2022 when devastating floods killed 1,739 people, destroyed 2 million homes, and covered as much as one-third of the country at one point.
This year, the South Asian country recorded its “wettest April since 1961,” with 59.3 millimeters rainfall and at least 144 deaths in thunderstorms and house collapses, according to the authorities.
Pakistan is one of the countries in the world most vulnerable to climate change, in part because of its immense northern glaciers, which are now melting as air temperatures rise. Warmer air can also hold more moisture, intensifying the rains of the monsoon.