The Meteorological Department has warned that rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in the upper parts of Pakistan next week.

At the same time, fresh data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab reveals the devastating impact of recent floods across Punjab, where millions remain affected.

Rain forecast for northern Pakistan

According to the Met Office, moderately humid winds from the Arabian Sea are entering the northern regions. Intermittent rainfall is likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from September 16 to 19, and Kashmir from September 15 to 19.

Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in different districts of Punjab and the federal capital Islamabad during the same period. In contrast, most of Sindh will remain hot and dry, though the coastal belt may experience partly cloudy weather. Balochistan is also likely to see partly cloudy and humid conditions.

Punjab flood situation worsens

The PDMA’s latest report highlights that more than 4,700 villages have been affected by floods caused by high water levels in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers.

Chenab River: 2,475 villages affected
Sutlej River: 715 villages affected
Ravi River: 1,458 villages affected

Overall, more than 4.574 million people have been impacted by the disaster.

Rescue and relief efforts

Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed that at least 2.516 million people trapped in floodwaters have been shifted to safer places. To accommodate the displaced population, 372 relief camps, 459 medical camps, and 391 veterinary camps have been set up across the affected districts.

Authorities have also rescued and shifted 2.020 million animals to safe locations. Despite these efforts, the floods have already claimed 104 lives in various incidents across the province.