Monsoon spell prompts nationwide alerts over flooding, landslide risks

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority and the Pakistan Meteorological Department have issued countrywide weather advisories as an active monsoon system is expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms and windstorms to many parts of Pakistan from Tuesday, with officials warning of flash floods, urban flooding and landslides.

According to the NDMA, citing an assessment by its National Emergencies Operation Centre, no major river flooding is expected even though water levels are likely to rise in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers. The authority said intermittent heavy rainfall from July 7 to 10 could nonetheless lead to flash flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams, inundation in low-lying urban areas, and landslides in mountainous regions.

The PMD said moist currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with a westerly weather system, are likely to produce rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, the Potohar region, northern and central Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of northern Balochistan through Wednesday. In Sindh, weather conditions are expected to remain largely hot and humid, though isolated showers are forecast for upper districts.

Urban flooding and landslide concerns

The meteorological department warned that heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Nowshera. It also said vulnerable locations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir face the risk of landslides during the wet spell.

Officials further warned that windstorms and lightning could damage fragile infrastructure, including electricity poles, billboards and solar panels. The advisory urged close monitoring of weather updates as conditions develop across different regions.

Balochistan among areas in focus

In Balochistan, active monsoon conditions are forecast for July 7 and 8, with thunderstorms and heavy rain expected in Harnai, Loralai, Sibi, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti and nearby areas. Rain is also likely in Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad and Duki, where authorities have cautioned about flooding in seasonal streams and water accumulation in low-lying localities.

The NDMA and provincial disaster management authorities have directed emergency agencies to remain prepared. Travellers have been advised to avoid non-essential movement, particularly on mountain roads and near streams, while tourists have been asked to stay away from flood-prone areas and follow official weather advisories during the monsoon period.