Anticipated increase in monsoon showers, floods, and landslides starting from Tuesday, according to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority's prediction.
Heavy Monsoon Rains Forecast for Punjab, Pakistan
Pakistan is bracing for the sixth monsoon spell, expected to hit Punjab province on August 5, 2025. The rains are predicted to affect most districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, and others[1][2][3].
The monsoon is expected to bring medium to high flooding, particularly in riverine areas such as the Chenab and Jhelum rivers[3]. Already, low-level floods have been reported at Khanki on the Chenab River and at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa on the Indus River[1][2].
Authorities, led by the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), have issued alerts and are closely monitoring the situation. Emergency teams are on standby, drainage systems are being inspected, and local administrations have been directed to remain alert and take precautionary measures[1][2][3].
Financial assistance is being provided to families affected by previous monsoon incidents, with 162 deaths, 571 injuries, and significant damage to homes and livestock reported this season[1]. Citizens are advised to stay cautious, avoid water channels during the rains, and keep children away from low-lying areas and canals[1][2].
Climate experts predict that the monsoon season may extend into late September due to shifting weather patterns, potentially causing prolonged monsoon impacts in Punjab[3]. Key districts forecast to receive heavy rainfall include Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, among others[3].
The PDMA has highlighted that major rivers like Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej currently have normal water flow, but suggests vigilance due to the expected rainfall increases[1][2]. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has detailed that more than 1,600 homes have been destroyed and hundreds more damaged due to persistent rainfall and flooding. At least 376 livestock have perished as a result of the monsoon season[1].
Prime Minister Sharif has announced plans to visit Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming days and pledged a federal relief package to help compensate for the losses[2]. The prime minister emphasized the urgency of inter-agency coordination and directed all relevant federal bodies to work closely with local authorities to assess the damage and accelerate recovery efforts[2].
To mitigate further disaster, the NDMA is implementing a comprehensive preparedness strategy. Residents and travellers have been advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from vulnerable structures[1]. The public is urged not to cross flowing water in vehicles and to contact PDMA's emergency helpline 1129 in case of any emergency[1].
The federal government has pledged relief and support to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, regions worst-affected by the ongoing monsoon season in Pakistan[2]. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has been instructed to upgrade its early warning systems as a matter of urgency[1].
In summary, the sixth monsoon spell is imminent with widespread rainfall expected, prompting flood risk especially in riverine and low-lying districts, and authorities are actively implementing emergency preparedness and public safety measures[1][2][3]. The monsoon is expected to intensify towards the end of August, with medium-level flooding anticipated at Head Marala and Guddu along the River Chenab[1]. The alert warns of heavy rainfall across most districts of the Punjab province, with at least 295 lives lost and over 700 persons injured across the country due to the monsoon rains so far[1]. District commissioners and administrative officials have been notified to remain on high alert[1].
- The climate scientists have expressed concerns about the extended monsoon season and its potential impact on the environment, as the monsoon rains are predicted to intensify towards the end of August, increasing the risk of medium-level flooding in Punjab province, particularly in riverine areas and low-lying districts.
- Against this backdrop, discussions in the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics are gaining momentum, with calls for strengthened environmental-science to help mitigate the effects of climate-change and minimize the risks associated with extreme weather events like these monsoon spells.
- As the general-news coverage continues to focus on the escalating flood risks and the various disaster management activities, the government agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring public safety, issuing alerts, and taking preventive measures while urging the citizens to stay informed and vigilant.
