Pakistan’s weather is set for a major shift as heavy rains are expected across the country over the coming days.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab have issued advisories, warning of rainfall in multiple regions and potential landslides in hilly areas.
NDMA issues national rain alert
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA has warned that intermittent rains are expected in different areas of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, rains will affect parts of Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, and Azad Kashmir. Key areas include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Sargodha, and Khushab.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, showers are forecast in Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, and Mansehra, as well as Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Hazara, Peshawar, Swabi, and Waziristan.
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Sindh is also likely to see rainfall in Karachi, Jamshoro, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, and Umerkot. Meanwhile, the upper reaches of major rivers, including Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej, are expected to receive rain.
The NDMA has cautioned that downpours in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir could trigger landslides in mountainous areas. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to these regions.
PDMA Punjab: Heavy rain likely on Oct 6 and 7
Speaking to the media in Lahore, PDMA DG Punjab Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that westerly winds are active and will bring rain across Punjab. He noted that light showers are likely in several areas, while heavier downpours are expected in the northern and northwestern regions tomorrow.
“There are chances of more than 60mm of rain on October 6 and 7,” he said, adding that the spell would bring a welcome change in weather.
River flows and flood situation
The PDMA DG assured that despite rising water flows, there is currently no risk of flooding. At present, 20,000 cusecs are flowing into the Chenab River, and the water level at Head Marala stands at 23,000 cusecs.
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“In the next 48 hours, water at Head Marala may exceed 100,000 cusecs,” Kathia said. “However, there is no fear of a flood situation due to this increase.”
He further noted that the rains are likely to enhance the water capacity of Mangla Dam. Additionally, India has issued an advisory to its citizens regarding the Sutlej River.
Flood survey in Punjab
Kathia also highlighted ongoing relief and assessment work in Punjab. A large-scale flood survey began on September 27 in 69 tehsils across 27 districts and will continue until October 27.
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“This is the largest survey in Punjab’s history, with 11,000 employees deployed in the field,” he said. “Joint survey teams are working under the supervision of deputy commissioners, with counter-checks in place to ensure accuracy. Livestock data is also being cross-verified with vaccination records.”
Despite challenges in the process, authorities expect the survey to be completed on schedule.
Outlook
Rains are expected to continue until October 8. Authorities say the weather system will not only bring relief from persistent heat but also help replenish reservoirs. Citizens in low-lying and mountainous areas, however, are advised to remain cautious.
