Heavy rains forecast across Pakistan as flood risk rises in several regions
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan until Aug 4. Officials said the weather system could increase flood risks in rivers and low-lying areas.
Strong monsoon system raises flood concerns
According to the FFD, a well-developed low-pressure system over southeast Rajasthan in India, combined with strong monsoon winds, is moving moisture into Pakistan. This system is expected to bring widespread rain to central and eastern Punjab along with parts of Sindh and Balochistan.
The FFD said heavy rainfall could significantly increase water levels in the Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers and their tributaries. It also warned that water levels in the Chenab at Head Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad may reach low-to-medium flood levels.
Officials added that exceptionally heavy inflows could push the Chenab at Head Marala into the high flood category. The department also warned of possible flash floods in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, streams flowing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan, and other vulnerable areas.
Urban flooding is also feared due to intense rainfall. Cities at higher risk include Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.
The FFD also expects higher flows in several streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers. These include the Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber, Halsi, Aik, Palkhu, Bein, Basantar, Deg and Sukki nullahs.
PDMA monitors rivers and urges public caution
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said river flows, dams and barrages across Punjab are being monitored around the clock. It confirmed that low-level flooding is currently being recorded in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma.
According to the PDMA, the current weather system is likely to continue until Aug 5. The authority advised people living near rivers and streams to stay alert and follow official safety instructions.
The FFD said the Indus River is flowing at low flood levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur. Meanwhile, the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and Sutlej rivers are still flowing below the low flood level.
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For the next 24 hours, widespread rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected across Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Scattered rainfall with isolated heavy showers is also likely in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the upper catchments of major rivers.
The PDMA reported that Rawalpindi received the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours with 95 millimetres. Murree recorded 85 millimetres, while Jauharabad received 56 millimetres and Multan recorded 37 millimetres.
Bhakkar received 31 millimetres of rain, while Narowal and Noorpur Thal each recorded 27 millimetres. Khanewal received 21 millimetres, Chakwal 20 millimetres, Gujranwala 12 millimetres, Jhang 10 millimetres and Sargodha 8 millimetres.
The PDMA urged parents to keep children away from rainwater drains, rivers, canals and low-lying areas. Officials said following safety precautions can help prevent accidents during the ongoing wet spell.
The latest forecast shows that heavy rainfall may increase pressure on rivers and drainage systems in several regions. People living in flood-prone areas should stay updated with official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
