Miscellaneous Meteorological Department issues alert for increased rainfall nationwide starting next week
Heavy Monsoon Rains Continue to Wreak Havoc in Pakistan
Pakistan is currently grappling with intensified monsoon activity, resulting in heavy to torrential rains across various regions. Since August 14, the country has witnessed significant rainfall, particularly in Sindh, Balochistan, and the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to the latest report, monsoon-related deaths have reached 312 across Pakistan, with more than half of them in Punjab (164). The devastating rains have caused extensive damage, disrupted communities, and posed ongoing risks, especially in vulnerable urban and mountainous areas.
Forecasters warn of ongoing torrential rains through at least August 21, with significant risks of flash flooding, infrastructure damage, and humanitarian impacts. The National Weather Forecasting Centre anticipates rain/thundershowers with isolated heavy falls in various regions, including Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, and northern mountainous areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings for possible flash floods in local streams and nullahs in parts of KP, Punjab, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat, and AJK from August 15 to 21. Additionally, hill torrents in DG Khan and eastern Balochistan are expected to experience flash floods from August 18 to 21.
A number of regions are forecasted to receive rain-wind/thundershowers over the next few days. In Balochistan, Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, and Panjgur are likely to experience rain-wind/thundershowers from August 18 to 22.
In AJK/Gilgit-Baltistan, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur may see widespread rain-wind/thundershowers with scattered heavy falls from August 18 to 21.
Sindh provinces, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and Jacobabad will receive rain-wind/thundershowers between August 18 and 22.
The PMD expects monsoon activity to intensify across Pakistan from next week, with monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea penetrating the upper regions and moist currents from the Bay of Bengal likely to strengthen from August 17. A westerly wave currently affecting northern parts is expected to intensify on August 17.
Due to the severity of the monsoon, authorities have issued advisories urging caution and preparedness. The public, travellers, and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas. Windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards, and vehicles.
Since July, more than 700 fatalities have been reported, with the death toll tripling compared to the previous year’s same period. Urban flooding in Karachi and flash floods across the northwest have severely disrupted communities, submerged homes, and posed ongoing risks as new storms approach. The monsoon’s severity reflects broader climate trends, with Pakistan receiving about 50% more rainfall than last year at this time, emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
In summary, the ongoing monsoon activity in Pakistan continues to pose significant risks, with forecasters warning of ongoing torrential rains through at least August 21. Authorities have issued advisories urging caution and preparedness amid this intensified monsoon phase.
- The ongoing monsoon rains in Pakistan, which have already caused 312 deaths, primarily in Punjab, are expected to continue until at least August 21.
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of flash floods in various regions, including Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, and northern mountainous areas, due to the ongoing heavy rains.
- The severity of the monsoon this year, with Pakistan receiving about 50% more rainfall than last year, highlights the need for greater focus on environmental science and climate change, as such weather events have significant impacts on the environment and communities.
