Fresh monsoon system brings widespread rain across Pakistan

A fresh monsoon weather system has swept across Pakistan, bringing widespread rainfall and thunderstorms to several regions, providing much-needed relief from the recent spell of extreme heat while raising concerns over flash floods

A fresh monsoon weather system has swept across Pakistan, bringing widespread rainfall and thunderstorms to several regions, providing much-needed relief from the recent spell of extreme heat while raising concerns over flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorm activity affected Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where the weather turned significantly cooler after days of intense heat. Lahore also received moderate to heavy rainfall, with showers reported in several districts across Punjab, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures.

Other cities, including Gujrat, Hafizabad, Daska and Wazirabad, also experienced heavy downpours. In Gujrat, low-lying neighborhoods were inundated after drainage systems struggled to cope with the volume of rainwater, causing temporary urban flooding and disrupting traffic in several areas.

As the monsoon system strengthens, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning about the increased risk of flash floods in mountainous regions and landslides in northern parts of the country. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly those living near rivers, streams, hillsides and flood-prone locations.

According to the NDMA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are among the areas facing the highest risk of weather-related emergencies during the current monsoon spell. The authority is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with provincial administrations to ensure timely response efforts.

NDMA spokesperson Zahra Hassan said all necessary preparations had been completed to deal with potential emergencies arising from heavy rainfall. She stated that an Emergency Response Committee had been established to ensure quick and coordinated action in case of flooding, landslides or other rain-related incidents.

She added that the NDMA is maintaining close coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), district administrations and other relevant departments to strengthen preparedness across the country. NDMA teams are also expected to visit different provinces to review local arrangements and improve coordination with regional authorities.

According to the spokesperson, comprehensive disaster mapping, risk assessments and resource evaluations have already been carried out. Emergency relief supplies have been strategically pre-positioned at provincial warehouses to facilitate rapid assistance in areas that may be affected by severe weather.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that intermittent rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue in many parts of the country over the coming days, increasing the possibility of localized flooding in urban areas and flash floods in hilly regions.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, stay away from fast-flowing streams and flooded roads, and keep updated through official weather advisories and emergency alerts.