Karachi, April 13, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of flash flooding in Balochistan due to anticipated torrential rains. The PMD’s advisory encompasses several areas across the province, cautioning residents and authorities to brace for potential flooding and adverse weather conditions.
According to the PMD, torrential rains may lead to flash floods in various parts of Balochistan, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Kohe Suleman, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Barkhan, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Quetta, Pishin, Kech, Panjgur, Turbat, Harnai, Kohlu, Naseerabad, and Jafarabad on April 13th and 14th. Low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to flooding during this forecast period.
Additionally, heavy rainfall may trigger flash flooding in local nullahs and streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, and tributaries of the Kabul River, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from April 13th to 15th. Landslides are also a possibility in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, potentially impacting vulnerable locations during this timeframe.
Looking ahead to Sunday, April 14, 2024, the PMD forecasts rain, wind, and thunderstorms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, upper Sindh, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are expected in specific areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, upper and southwest Balochistan, and upper and northeast Punjab. Snowfall is also anticipated in high mountainous regions of northern areas.
The synoptic situation, as outlined by the PMD, indicates the influence of a strong westerly wave affecting most parts of the country, expected to persist over the next 24 hours.
Reflecting on the weather conditions observed on Saturday, April 13, 2024, rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, upper and central Sindh, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms occurred in specific areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, northeast and south Balochistan, southern and eastern Punjab, and the Pothohar region. Snowfall was also witnessed in high mountainous regions of the north.
Over the past 24 hours, partly cloudy weather prevailed across most parts of the country, with rainfall, windstorms, and thunderstorms reported in various regions. Notable rainfall figures include Kalam with 60 mm, Dir (upper) with 60 mm, Chitral with 59 mm, and Malamjabba with 49 mm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Balochistan, Zhob recorded 40 mm of rainfall, while Quetta (City) received 22 mm. Multan (City) in Punjab recorded 10 mm of rainfall, while Muzaffarabad (A/P, City) in Kashmir received 1 mm.
Yesterday’s recorded highest maximum temperatures were observed in Shaheed Benazirabad at 43°C, with Khairpur, Padidan, and Sukkur all reaching 42°C.
As Balochistan braces for potential flash flooding and adverse weather conditions, authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize damage.
