PMD Warns of Strong Monsoon Spell from Aug 14 to 22
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high alert advisory for a powerful monsoon system forecast to impact the country between August 14 and 22, warning of flash floods, urban inundation, and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The system is expected to bring widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers, with heavy to very heavy falls in Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan between August 18 and 21. Balochistan and Sindh may also see isolated heavy downpours during the same period.
The PMD cautioned that hilly streams could experience flash flooding, major cities may face urban flooding, and mountainous regions could be at risk of landslides. Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab are likely to see heavy inflows, with possible medium to high flood levels in Chenab, Khanki, and Qadirabad. The Indus at Taunsa may also witness increased water discharge within 24 hours.
Authorities have been urged to take preventive measures, while residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay alert and follow official updates. The advisory comes after the last rain spell claimed over 300 lives mostly from electrocution and roof collapses in Punjab and K-P.
Reservoir levels have seen minor increases, with Tarbela now 3.5 feet below maximum capacity, Mangla 35.5 feet below, and Khanpur showing a 0.5-foot rise. Rawal Dam was the only reservoir to record a drop, falling 1.8 feet from its full capacity.
