Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to receive heavy monsoon rains from August 29 to September 5, prompting provincial disaster management authorities to issue alerts and direct district administrations to take precautionary measures.
The Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have warned of possible flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. The weather system could affect several districts, while residents, tourists and travelers have been advised to exercise caution during periods of severe weather.
Rainfall forecast for Punjab
According to the Punjab PDMA, the province is likely to experience its eighth monsoon spell from August 29 to September 5.
Rain is expected in several districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Gujrat, Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan.
The Punjab PDMA has warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot. Murree, Galiyat and other mountainous areas face a risk of landslides, while flash flooding is possible in rain-fed streams and waterways.
PDMA Director General Saif Anwar directed deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert and complete precautionary arrangements in accordance with the provincial government’s instructions.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay away from damaged or vulnerable buildings, and seek shelter in safe locations during thunderstorms and strong winds. People have also been urged to keep children away from flooded areas, electricity poles and exposed power lines.
The Punjab PDMA has asked residents to contact its emergency helpline at 1129 in case of an emergency.
Weather risks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The KP PDMA has also issued an alert for thunderstorms, strong winds and rain across several parts of the province between August 29 and September 5.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Kohistan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber and Mohmand.
From September 1 to 4, rainfall is also expected in Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Waziristan.
The authority has warned of landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas following heavy rainfall. Mardan and Swabi could also face urban flooding between August 31 and September 5, particularly in low-lying areas.
Strong winds and lightning may damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards and crops, according to the alert.
Tourists advised to avoid unnecessary travel
Both provincial authorities have advised tourists and travelers to check weather conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys during severe weather.
The KP PDMA has specifically advised tourists to avoid trekking, hiking and camping during heavy rain and to stay away from rivers, streams and rainwater channels. People have also been warned against crossing flooded roads or waterways.
The authority said relevant departments are monitoring the situation around the clock and have been instructed to remain prepared for emergencies. The KP PDMA emergency helpline is 1700.
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