ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s central command hub for monitoring climate-related emergencies on Tuesday warned of heavy rains and potential flooding in multiple regions over the next 24 to 72 hours, urging the public to take precautionary measures as the ongoing monsoon system intensifies.
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) issued the warning a day after the government confirmed that 111 people have died in rain-related incidents since June 26, including 40 fatalities in Punjab, the country’s most populous province. An additional 212 people have been injured nationwide.
The NEOC alert comes amid the annual monsoon season, which brings 70 to 80 percent of South Asia’s rainfall and is crucial for agriculture. However, increasingly erratic and extreme weather patterns are turning the rains into a destructive force. Pakistan remains one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, still reeling from the devastating 2022 floods that killed over 1,700 people, submerged a third of the country and caused more than $33 billion in economic losses.
“National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of NDMA [National Disaster Management Authority] has issued multiple impact-based weather alerts in view of the ongoing monsoon system, which is expected to affect various parts of the country over the next 24 to 72 hours,” the center said in an official statement. “These alerts highlight the risks of heavy rainfall, urban flooding, flash floods, strong winds and associated structural and travel-related hazards.”
In Punjab, heavy rainfall is expected over the next 12 to 24 hours in several districts including Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur and others. These areas may experience strong winds, temporary power outages and reduced visibility affecting daily life and road traffic.
Islamabad, the federal capital, is also forecast to see similar conditions.
A flash flood alert has been issued from July 15 to 18 for northeastern and southern Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala and D.G. Khan, where hill torrents and rapidly rising nullahs could trigger inundation and possible evacuation needs.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected in districts such as Swat, Mansehra, Peshawar and Waziristan, with possible flash floods, falling trees and traffic accidents due to low visibility and slippery roads.
Balochistan may see isolated thunderstorms in areas like Quetta, Zhob, Sibi and Dera Bugti, where gusty winds could lead to structural damage and driving hazards.
The statement said the NDMA has directed relevant authorities to ensure the deployment of emergency teams, improve drainage systems and coordinate closely with local administration authorities.
The public has also been advised to stay away from weak structures and electricity poles, avoid unnecessary travel and relocate vehicles and livestock to safer locations.
The authorities have strongly discouraged tourists from visiting mountainous or high-altitude areas until the ongoing monsoon rains continue.
