ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday forecast heavy monsoon rains in the upper catchments of major rivers over the next 48 hours, while Punjab’s disaster management authority warned of possible urban flooding in several cities.

The PMD said the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala is expected to rise to low flood levels during the period, while the Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad, along with the nullahs of the Ravi, could reach medium to high flows in the next 24 hours.

Scattered thunderstorms and rain of moderate intensity with isolated heavy downpours are likely over the upper catchments of the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum rivers, as well as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Zhob and DG Khan divisions.

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) separately issued an alert for the seventh spell of the monsoon from Aug. 13-15, predicting heavy rains in most districts, particularly Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, and DG Khan.

“There is a risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Sialkot, as well as flash flooding in riverside nullahs due to heavy rains,” PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said in an alert, adding that possible landslides in Murree and Galiyat and damage to vulnerable buildings could not be ruled out.

The PDMA also directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain alert and ensure civil defense, rescue and other relevant agencies complete advance preparations.

It urged the public to follow safety guidelines, avoid unnecessary travel and, in case of urban or flash flooding, remain in safe areas and never attempt to cross flowing water.

ADVANCE MONSOON ALERTS

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for advance alerts for residents in areas vulnerable during the monsoon season, following deadly mudslides in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
One of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations, GB is home to some of the world’s tallest peaks, glaciers and fast-running streams.

Despite its strategic location as Pakistan’s only land route to China, however, the region’s limited infrastructure leaves it vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides, underscoring the need for stronger disaster management measures.

In a meeting with the prime minister, the top National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, briefed on progress “toward making the early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan fully operational and enhancing cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change in this regard,” according to a PM Office statement.

“The NDMA should further strengthen its coordination with the provinces for assistance and rehabilitation of victims of the recent rains and flooding,” Sharif was quoted as saying during the meeting.

“People in vulnerable areas must be given advance alerts in view of weather conditions and possible emergencies,” he added.

According to the NDMA, seven people were killed and six injured in a mudslide in Gilgit’s Danyore Nullah area over the weekend.

The monsoon season, which began on June 26, has so far claimed 312 lives and injured 740 people nationwide.