Today’s weather: More rain, thunderstorms forecast as flood risk persists

ISLAMABAD: Another spell of monsoon rain, strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in parts of Pakistan on Sunday, with the latest weather conditions likely to keep authorities on alert for urban flooding, flash floods and further rises in river levels.

According to the latest Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast, rain-wind/thundershowers are expected across upper and central parts of the country, including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, with isolated heavy falls possible in some areas.

The PMD has also warned of possible urban flooding and flash flooding in vulnerable locations.

The forecast comes after several days of heavy rain that have battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing water accumulation in low-lying areas and repeated rises in Nala Lai.

On Sunday, strong winds and thunderstorms again inundated underpasses in Islamabad’s G-6 area, while rainwater entered homes in parts of Chhatta Bakhtawar. Rawalpindi WASA has maintained a rain emergency and deployed staff and heavy machinery in vulnerable areas.

Flood pressure remains on Indus

The ongoing rainfall is also keeping pressure on the country’s river system.

The Flood Forecasting Division’s latest hydrological report for 6am on Aug 23 showed the Indus at medium flood level at Kalabagh, while Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur remained at low flood levels.

The latest official discharge data put inflow at 414,576 cusecs at Kalabagh and 377,412 cusecs at Chashma.

The Flood Forecasting Division has warned that Taunsa could attain medium flood level within the next 24 hours, while flash flooding remains possible in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.

The latest conditions follow weeks of active monsoon weather that have produced riverine and urban flooding in parts of Punjab and Sindh, while glacial floods and landslides have disrupted connectivity in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Authorities have urged residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, avoid rivers, streams and flooded roads, and follow evacuation instructions where issued.

Travellers have also been advised to check weather and road conditions before setting out, particularly in mountainous areas where heavy rain can trigger landslides, debris flows and flash floods.

With another round of rain and thunderstorms expected, disaster management and civic agencies across vulnerable districts have been directed to maintain preparedness and closely monitor rivers, drains and urban drainage networks.