The first spell of monsoon has entered Pakistan, bringing rain to different parts of the country and raising concerns over possible urban flooding in major cities.
According to the Meteorological Department, rain is likely in different parts of the country by July 6.
Although monsoon rains in the plains are expected to be less intense than in previous years, authorities say the threat of urban flooding remains.
Urban flooding concerns remain
Met Director Irfan Virk said Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot remain key areas where urban flooding concerns exist. He said Rawalpindi is also among the cities where flooding risks remain during the monsoon.
He added that this monsoon may bring more dry days, increased heating and higher temperatures.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik told Samaa TV that the existing early warning system has been handed over to the Meteorological Department. He said work is now underway on a new and modern early warning system.
According to Musadik Malik, flow data, weather data, satellite data and drone data are being collected to create a strong early warning framework.
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He said all matters are before the Prime Minister, and a committee formed under his leadership is working on the system.
Officials say climate change is changing the monsoon pattern every year, creating new challenges for Pakistan. These changing weather patterns are increasing the risks of flash floods, urban flooding and extreme temperature shifts.
Rain expected across upper and plain areas
Rain is likely today in upper and plain areas of the country, including Islamabad. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in most parts of the country during the next 24 hours.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already received heavy rain during the initial monsoon spell. At least six people, including a woman, have died and 19 others have been injured in rain-related incidents.
Relief efforts have begun to reach flood-affected people in the province. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister has directed authorities to provide immediate relief to affected families.
Lahore receives first monsoon rain
The first monsoon rain in Lahore turned the city’s weather pleasant. Heavy rain was reported in Lakshmi Chowk, Mall Road, Jail Road and Ferozepur Road.
After the rain, heat and humidity eased in the provincial capital.
In Punjab, intermittent rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Khushab and Sargodha.
Rain is also likely in Okara, Kasur, Pakpattan, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Noorpurthal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur.
KP areas likely to receive more rain
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cloudy weather and rain are expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Chitral, Battagram, Buner, Mansehra, Peshawar, Abbottabad and Haripur.
Rain is also expected in Charsadda, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan.
Most districts of Balochistan are likely to remain hot. However, rain with thunderstorms is expected in Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibi, Musakhel, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar.
