Urban flooding alert as rains coming this week

Islamabad:The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rains in various regions, including Punjab and Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeastern Balochistan from July 10 to 16.

It issued a warning that between July 12 to 14, heavy rainfall was expected to increase water levels in local streams and nullahs in Murree, Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, and AJK, potentially leading to urban flooding in low-lying areas of north-eastern Punjab. The PMD said landslides could block roads in vulnerable areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to it, strong winds, lightning, and heavy downpours may disrupt daily life, cause damage to weak structures, and affect vehicles, solar panels, and other outdoor objects.

The PMD urged farmers, travellers, and tourists to take necessary precautions, plan their activities accordingly, and exercise extra caution to avoid any adverse situations during the upcoming wet spell.

Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued an alert for potential floods and glacier bursts in 11 districts of the province. It urged authorities to remain vigilant as thunderstorms, heavy rains, and dusty winds were expected in mountainous areas, with rising temperatures and melting glaciers posing flood risks in low-lying areas.