ISLAMABAD – A powerful monsoon system is sweeping across Pakistan, triggering heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds that have already caused casualties and raised the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban inundation in major cities and hilly areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued fresh alerts on Tuesday, warning that the current spell, driven by a low-pressure system over northeast Rajasthan, will continue through July 17. A westerly wave is also influencing the upper regions of the country, further intensifying rainfall.
“Heavy to very heavy downpours could cause flash floods in nullahs and streams, especially in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Murree, Kohistan, and Rawalpindi,” said PMD Forecasting Officer Dawood Khan. The department also flagged the risk of landslides in Murree, Galliyat, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while urban flooding is likely in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan.
On Monday, thunderstorms and gusty winds claimed at least nine lives and injured 62 in Punjab, while six more fatalities were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Strong winds also damaged trees, electric poles, vehicles, and crops in multiple areas.
In the past 24 hours, Okara recorded the highest rainfall at 95 mm, followed closely by Hyderabad with 94 mm. Other cities, including Islamabad, Sahiwal, DG Khan, and Lahore, also saw significant downpours.
Despite the rains, temperatures in parts of Sindh remained high, with Turbat reaching 44°C and Hyderabad and Nawabshah recording 41°C under humid conditions.
The PMD has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh until Thursday. Scattered heavy showers are expected in urban areas, which could overwhelm drainage systems and damage weak structures, especially rooftops of kacha houses and billboards.
Tourists and travellers have been urged to avoid vulnerable areas, while farmers are advised to take precautions to protect crops. Civil and provincial authorities remain on high alert to minimise damage and safeguard lives and property.
