Fresh Weather Systems and Rising Toll
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert, warning of heavy rains and possible flooding in several regions from August 23 to 30. According to the advisory, three new weather systems are entering Pakistan, intensifying the ongoing monsoon spell.
The NDMA reported that the cumulative death toll from rain-related incidents has risen to 785 fatalities since late June, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recording the highest number at 469.
Urban Flooding and Mountain Hazards
The authority cautioned that scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms could trigger urban flooding, flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are also expected to experience heavy rainfall during this period.
Officials warned that water flows in the Indus River may surge to 500,000 cusecs at Taunsa, Guddu, and Kalabagh, while the Ravi and Chenab rivers are also likely to swell.
Provinces on High Alert
Punjab districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, and Hafizabad, have been placed on alert. In KP, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Peshawar are expected to receive significant downpours. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Astore are also forecast to be impacted.
Southern provinces are equally vulnerable, with Sindh’s coastal and upper districts, Thatta, Badin, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Larkana, on standby. In Balochistan, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Gwadar, and Turbat may face heavy rains, raising fears of flash floods and landslides.
Preparedness and Public Advisory
The NDMA has directed provincial and district authorities to monitor glacial sites, prepare evacuation plans, and keep rescue services on standby. Emergency equipment is being pre-positioned, while civic agencies have been asked to stockpile supplies and ensure road clearance after landslides.
The public has been urged to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas, remain vigilant in low-lying zones, and follow evacuation instructions if required. Tourists have also been advised against visiting northern regions due to the risk of landslides and unstable terrain.
A Climate Vulnerability Reminder
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, is grappling with yet another intense monsoon season. Heavy downpours have already triggered urban flooding in Karachi and overflowing rivers in southern Punjab.
The situation has revived fears of a repeat of the catastrophic 2022 floods that inundated a third of the country, killed more than 1,700 people, and inflicted $30 billion in economic damage.
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