Islamabad, August 17, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an urgent warning, forecasting that the ongoing monsoon rains are likely to cause significant urban flooding across several cities in Sindh.
The warning comes as heavy downpours continue to impact various regions, with potential for severe consequences in low-lying urban areas.
The PMD highlighted that torrential rains could also generate flash flooding in local nullahs, streams, and hill torrents across multiple regions, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Koh Sulaiman, Harnai, Sabi, Jhal Magsi, Kohlu, Nasirabad, Jafarabad, Zhob, Bolan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Lasbella, Awaran, and Dadu. Additionally, the northern regions of Murree, Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, and Swabi, as well as northeast Punjab and Kashmir, are at risk today, August 17, 2024.
Urban flooding is particularly anticipated in the low-lying areas of Lower Sindh, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar during this period. The PMD also warned that landslides could result in road closures in the vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir.
Regarding the synoptic situation, the PMD reported the presence of low pressure in the lower tropospheric level over southeast Sindh. Strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are penetrating the southern and central parts of the country. A westerly wave is also affecting these regions, contributing to the current weather conditions.
For Sunday, August 18, 2024, the PMD forecasted rain-wind/thundershowers in Sindh, northeast and south Punjab, east Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, and Kashmir. Heavy rainfall is expected in Sindh, northeast Punjab, and east Balochistan during this period, increasing the risk of further urban flooding.
The PMD also provided a summary of the weather observed on Saturday, August 17, 2024, noting that rain-wind/thundershowers occurred across Sindh, Punjab, east Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, and Kashmir. Heavy falls were reported in Sindh, northeast and south Punjab, and east Balochistan, with several areas experiencing significant rainfall.
Over the past 24 hours, several regions experienced heavy rainfall, leading to concerns about rising water levels and potential flooding. In Punjab, Rahim Yar Khan recorded the highest rainfall at 80mm, followed closely by Toba Tek Singh with 78mm and Khanewal with 67mm. Other notable measurements included 57mm in Dera Ghazi Khan, 56mm at Multan Airport, and 53mm in Faisalabad and Jhang.
In Sindh, Chhor received the highest rainfall at 58mm, while Tharparkar recorded varying amounts between 1mm and 17mm. Meanwhile, Khairpur recorded 13mm of rainfall, and Sukkur experienced 7mm.
In Kashmir, Garhi Dupatta recorded 42mm, while Kotli received 41mm of rainfall. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw Di Khan receive 33mm at the airport, and Parachinar recorded 4mm. In Balochistan, Barkhan and Zhob both received 2mm, while Kalat recorded 1mm.
In addition to the rainfall, the PMD also noted the highest recorded maximum temperatures from the previous day, with Nokkundi reaching a scorching 47°C and Dalbandin recording 45°C.
As the monsoon season continues to impact the region, the PMD urges residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid the dangers associated with urban flooding and other severe weather events.