ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast fresh rains and potential flooding across multiple regions of the country till Aug 30, with the nationwide monsoon death toll soaring past 780.
Three rain-bearing weather systems were entering Pakistan, under the influence of which heavy rains are likely in most parts of the country between August 23 and August 30, according to the NDMA advisory.
The cumulative death toll from rain-related incidents in Pakistan has risen to 785 since late June when monsoon rains first began in the country, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reporting the highest 469 fatalities.
The new weather systems are likely to impact Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, KP, Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan as well as coastal districts in the southern Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
“There is severe risk of flooding situation in urban and low-lying areas and of landslides due to rains in mountainous areas,” the NDMA said. “Water flow in Indus River is expected to reach 500,000 cusecs at Taunsa, Guddu and Kalabagh.”
The authority said it was continuously monitoring the situation and urged masses to be careful during rains and floods and ensure safety measures.
“Tourists are requested to avoid traveling to the northern areas due to the risk of possible rains and landslides,” it added.
Pakistan, one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world, is currently witnessing an intense monsoon season. Urban floods triggered by heavy rains this week inundated the country’s commercial hub of Karachi, while local media reported overflowing rivers in southern parts of the most populous Punjab province.
Annual monsoons are vital for agriculture and water needs but in recent years have unleashed destructive flooding and landslides.
The ongoing situation has raised fears of a repeat of the catastrophic 2022 floods that submerged a third of Pakistan and killed more than 1,700 people, besides causing $30 billion in economic losses.
