The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in most parts of the country, including Punjab, starting today (Monday), warning of increased risks of urban flooding and landslides.
Authorities have issued alerts to all relevant departments in light of the forecast.
According to the PMD, flash flooding is likely in rivers and streams across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad, as well as Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan.
Low-lying areas of Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, northeast Punjab, Kashmir and Dera Ghazi Khan are at risk of inundation.
Landslides in the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could disrupt road traffic, it added.
Urban centres like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sialkot, Peshawar and Nowshera may experience accumulation of water in low-lying areas due to intense rain.
The PMD warned that heavy rain is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region and some districts of northeast Punjab.
Rain is also forecast for southeastern Sindh, while hot and humid weather is expected to persist in other parts of the country.
PDMA Punjab issues flood, rain alert for next 48 hours
Meanwhile, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert warning of torrential rains, urban flooding, and riverine floods across various districts of the province over the next 48 hours.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, intense monsoon activity in the upper catchments of rivers is expected to trigger urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Gujranwala divisions, while high to very high floods are feared in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.
The authority also cautioned of possible flash flooding in the northern and north-eastern districts of Punjab.
Director General PDMA instructed divisional and district administrations to remain on high alert and deploy rescue teams in advance at sensitive points. He further directed that citizens be informed promptly in case of torrential downpours and that all precautionary and protective arrangements be finalised without delay.
PDMA Punjab has issued alerts to all commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province, emphasising proactive measures to minimise potential damage.