ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a fresh spell of widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms across the country, with monsoon activity set to intensify from August 17. Authorities have cautioned that the upcoming wet spell could trigger flash floods, landslides, and urban inundation in several regions.
According to the PMD, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously entering the upper parts of the country, while moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen in the coming days. A westerly weather system currently affecting the region is also likely to gain strength by midweek.
Under these conditions, rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms with isolated heavy downpours is expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) between August 14 and 17. From August 18 to 21, the rains will persist in northern regions such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Poonch, while K-P will see heavier spells in Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Mardan.
Southern K-P districts, including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan, are also likely to experience showers during the period. In Punjab, heavy rainfall is forecast for Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad from August 18 to 21, with lighter but scattered activity in the southern parts of the province.
Parts of Balochistan including Barkhan, Zhob, Khuzdar, Gwadar, and Panjgur as well as Sindh districts such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar, are also expected to receive rain between August 18 and 22.
GLOF and Landslide Risks
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of K-P has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert, warning that heavy and prolonged rainfall could cause glacial lakes to burst in vulnerable areas such as Upper and Lower Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan. The PDMA has also warned of possible landslides and flash floods in local streams and nullahs, advising residents to avoid unnecessary movement near waterways and to refrain from driving through fast-flowing streams.
Emergency response agencies, including the National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and the Communication and Works Department, have been directed to remain on standby for road clearance and rescue operations. Public awareness campaigns are being run, and citizens can seek assistance or report emergencies through the PDMA’s helpline 1700.
Potential Flooding and Urban Inundation
The PMD has cautioned that from August 15 to 21, heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in parts of K-P, Murree, Galliyat, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir, while hill torrents could affect Dera Ghazi Khan and eastern Balochistan between August 18 and 21. Urban flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Nowshera.
Landslides and mudslides may disrupt traffic in hilly areas of K-P, G-B, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir. Strong winds, heavy falls, and lightning could damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards, solar panels, and vehicles. The PMD has urged travellers and tourists to postpone trips to vulnerable areas and stay updated with official weather advisories.
Rising Death Toll from Seasonal Rains
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that at least 312 people, including 142 children, have died since late June due to flash floods and torrential rains. Another 740 individuals have been injured. The fatalities include 113 men and 57 women, while injuries have affected 243 children, 209 women, and 288 men.
The NDMA says the deluges, which began on June 26, have left a trail of destruction across the country, damaging homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
