As monsoon rains continue to lash various parts of the country, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned on Monday of urban flooding in Karachi and other cities until August 3.
Read More: Intermittent Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Across Multiple Regions
The government body stated that with monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal likely to remain in central and southern parts of the country, various areas in Sindh, including Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi, might face urban flooding due to heavy rains.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz said that the country’s financial hub might experience light showers today followed by heavy downpours tomorrow.
“There is a chance of 30 to 50 millimeters of rain in Karachi tomorrow. The current rain spell is expected to continue until July 31 [Wednesday],” he said while speaking on Geo News.
He also noted that there’s a possibility of rain in different cities of the country until the end of the first week of August, as another rain spell is expected between August 3-4.
NDMA Advisory: Meanwhile, according to the NDMA’s press release, heavy to substantial rainfall is expected in the upper catchment areas of western and eastern rivers of the country from July 28 to August 4, 2024, which might result in flash flooding in northeastern parts of Punjab.
The NDMA indicated that Deg, Basemter, and Bein nullahs of River Ravi; Aik & Palku areas in the catchment of Chenab; and Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) are expected to witness flash flooding along with Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, Malakand, and upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additionally, low to medium-level flow is expected in rivers Jhelum upstream of Mangla, Kabul and its tributaries, and Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad.
Low to medium-level flows are also likely in the River Indus at Tarbela and hill torrents of the DG Khan division. Increased flows are expected in the nullahs of Zhob.
The NDMA has directed all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather. It has advised the public to avoid floodwaters and find safe locations away from flood-prone areas.
“Even a mere six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and just one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle,” it warned, adding that people should avoid crossing bridges if water is flowing rapidly and abstain from residing in weak structures.
