ISLAMABAD:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the possibility of flooding across Pakistan from July 6 to July 10.
According to the NDMA, cities in provinces will experience significant weather disturbances. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, and Okara are expected to see rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms.
In southern Punjab, heavy winds with rain are predicted in Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also at risk, with regions like Dera, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu, and Kohat likely to see thunderstorms and heavy rain.
In the northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy rainfall is anticipated in Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ganche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh, with a high risk of flooding in these regions.
Meanwhile, the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan are not exempt from adverse weather conditions. Cities such as Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu are expected to receive heavy rain, with the urban flooding expected.
In Balochistan, areas like Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jafarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela, and Naseerabad are on alert for rainfall.
Read More: Flash floods, heavy rain kill 64 in a week
The NDMA has cautioned the public to stay away from weak structures, brick walls, electric poles, and billboards during storms and heavy winds, as they pose a significant risk.
It also warned that visibility could be reduced, leading to potential accidents. Flash floods may occur, especially in local streams, so the public is advised to exercise caution.
“Authorities have been instructed to ensure preparedness for any emergency situations,” an NDMA spokesperson said. “Citizens are encouraged to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for updates and guidance on the weather conditions and potential hazards.”
As Pakistan braces for severe weather, the NDMA is urging citizens to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of casualties and damage from storms, flooding, and other weather-related hazards.
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Flash floods and heavy rain have killed 64 people and injured 117 in a week across the country, a government agency said on Wednesday.
The highest toll was in K-P, with 23 dead including 10 children, the National Disaster Management Authority said. Fourteen of the victims were swept away in a flash flood in the Swat Valley last week, local media reported.
Flash floods and homes collapsing in heavy rain killed 21 others in the eastern province of Punjab, including 11 children, the authority said. In Sindh, 15 were killed, while five people died in southwestern Balochistan.