ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high-alert warning for a strong monsoon system that will affect most parts of the country from August 14 to 22, bringing the risk of urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
According to the PMD, widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected, with heavy to very heavy falls predicted in Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan between August 18 and 21. Parts of Sindh and Balochistan will also see rainfall, with isolated heavy showers forecast during the same period.
The latest advisory expands on an earlier forecast of rain from August 13 to 15, reflecting both an extension of the system’s duration and an intensification of expected weather activity.
The department warned of flash floods in hilly streams, urban flooding in major cities, and landslides in mountainous areas. River inflows are expected to rise, with the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala likely to stay at low flood levels over the next three days but potentially increasing due to heavy rain and releases from Indian reservoirs.
Medium to high flood levels are possible in Rivers Chenab (Khanki and Qadirabad) and in the nullahs of River Ravi. The Indus at Taunsa is also expected to see increased flows within 24 hours.
Authorities have been urged to take preventive measures, while residents and travellers in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official updates.
Reservoir update:
Data from August 12 shows slight increases in water levels at major reservoirs. Tarbela rose by 0.5 feet to 1,546.50 feet, just 3.5 feet short of its maximum 1,550 feet. Mangla climbed 0.3 feet to 1,206.50 feet (full capacity 1,242 feet), while Khanpur increased 0.5 feet to 1,975.20 feet. Simly remained stable at 2,284.85 feet. Rawal Dam saw the only decline, dropping 1.8 feet to 1,749.40 feet against a maximum of 1,752 feet.
