Authorities warn of flash floods, landslides, and urban inundation as heavy rainfall looms
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE — Pakistan is preparing for an active spell of monsoon rains as the Meteorological Department forecasts widespread showers and strong winds across the country over the coming week. The heaviest activity is expected to intensify from August 17, meteorologists said.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that moisture-laden currents from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are steadily moving into upper regions of the country, while a westerly wave currently affecting the area is predicted to strengthen midweek.
Regions Likely to Face Heavy Rainfall
Between August 14 and 17, Islamabad, Kashmir, northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, with scattered heavy downpours.
From August 18 to 21, northern areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan will continue to receive rain. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to see heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts such as Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Mardan, while southern districts including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan will also experience intermittent heavy showers.
Punjab is not spared: Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad are all under rain alerts, with southern Punjab districts seeing scattered activity. Meanwhile, parts of Balochistan and Sindh, including Barkhan, Zhob, Khuzdar, Gwadar, Panjgur, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar, are forecast to receive rainfall between August 18 and 22.
Flood and Landslide Risks Rising
The PMD has issued warnings of potential flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir from August 15 to 21. Hill torrents may occur in Dera Ghazi Khan and eastern Balochistan between August 18 and 21.
Urban flooding is likely in low-lying districts of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Nowshera, while landslides and mudslides could disrupt travel in hilly terrains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir. Strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall may also damage weak structures, including rooftops, walls of kacha houses, vehicles, billboards, and solar panels.
Authorities are urging residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to high-risk areas, and to monitor updates from the PMD closely.
Government Actions and Disaster Preparedness
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate closely with provincial governments for relief operations and ensure rapid rehabilitation for affected communities. The PM emphasized the need to fully operationalize early warning systems, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, and provide timely alerts to minimize risks during severe weather events.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has specifically warned about rising river levels due to recent rains in upper catchment areas and potential water releases from India’s Bhakra, Pong, and Thein dams. While levels at the Ganda Singh station on the Sutlej River have normalized, medium- to high-level flood alerts remain active for sections of the Chenab River, including Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad.
PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stressed that all relevant departments, including local commissioners, must remain on high alert. Residents in vulnerable riverine areas are urged to relocate immediately if instructed, and safety measures such as avoiding rivers, canals, and low-lying areas are strongly recommended.
For emergencies, the public can contact PDMA Punjab at 1129, with authorities underscoring that protection of life and property remains the top priority.