NDMA issues alert amid vigorous monsoon spell

ISLAMABAD: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has directed all relevant departments to remain alert in view of rain spell till July 8.                                                

According to NDMA spokesperson, heavy rains with gusty winds and thunderstorms are expected in different parts of the country during this period which can trigger land sliding in hilly areas and flooding in the lowlands.                          

The NDMA has asked the relevant departments to ensure the presence of emergency machinery and staff and issue advance notice to people in flood-risk areas. It also advised tourists and visitors to remain informed about weather conditions before travelling and farmers and livestock owners to take necessary precautions in view of weather conditions.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast monsoon rains across the country from Jul 3 till July 8, with risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Met Office informed that moist currents from Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate in upper parts of the country and a westerly wave is also likely to enter in the upper parts of the country. It warned that heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore.

Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 4-7^th July.  It warned that heavy rainfall may cause flash flood in hill torrent areas of D.G. Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Balochistan from 6-8^th July.

Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast. It advised tourists to remain extra cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the wet spell.

Loose structures like electric poles, solar panels etc may damage during dust storm/wind-thunderstorm & heavy falls and general public is advised to stay at safe places during the period. It called on concerned authorities are advised to remain ‘alert’ and to take necessary precautionary measure during the forecast period.