Pakistan braces for more monsoon rains and floods

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s weather office warned of more monsoon showers and floods in parts of the country over the next few days, as heavy rains disrupted life in capital Islamabad and other regions.

Monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal and a westerly trough are affecting the country and may persist until July 26, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said in a statement. It forecast heavy to very heavy rains in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, which may cause urban and flash floods in low-lying and hilly areas.

“Heavy rains may generate flash flooding in Kashmir, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Manshera, Abbottabad, Rawalpindi/Islamabad during 22nd to 26th July, while in hill torrent of Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Balochistan on 22nd and 23rd July,” the statement said.

Karachi, the country’s largest city and economic hub, could also receive downpours over the next two days.

“Heavy rains may trigger water logging in low-lying areas of Karachi and Hyderabad during 22nd to 24th July,” it said.

Last week, up to 14,000 people were evacuated from villages in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province as heavy rains lashed Pakistan and neighboring India.

The weather office advised farmers to manage their activities keeping the weather forecast in view and tourists to be extra cautious during the wet spell.

“Wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels, etc,” it added. “General public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/heavy rains.”