ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high-alert warning as a strong monsoon system continues to batter major cities and vulnerable regions across the country. The warning remains in effect through July 17, with widespread heavy to very heavy rains expected in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh.
Flash floods may hit nullahs and streams in northern areas such as Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Murree, while urban flooding is possible in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, according to PMD Forecasting Officer Dawood Khan. Landslide risks are also rising in hilly areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Galliyat, where saturated soils and loose terrain pose dangers to tourists and locals.
The warning follows fatal storm activity reported this week: at least 15 people have died—9 in Punjab and 6 in KP—while over 60 were injured due to strong winds, collapsed structures, and falling trees. Thunderstorms, high winds, and lightning continue to pose threats to electric poles, billboards, crops, and weaker buildings.
The current system is being driven by a low-pressure zone over northeast Rajasthan (India), reinforced by a westerly wave entering Pakistan’s upper regions. In the last 24 hours, Okara and Hyderabad recorded 95 mm and 94 mm of rain respectively, with significant downpours also hitting Lahore, Islamabad, Sahiwal, and DG Khan. Despite rain, parts of Sindh remained hot, with Turbat reaching 44°C.
PMD’s prior advisory had outlined risks across nearly all provinces, forecasting landslides, road blockages, and damage to crops and rural homes. Tourists and farmers have been urged to avoid vulnerable areas, while civil and provincial authorities have been placed on high alert to mitigate damage and protect lives.