Monsoon rains trigger flood warnings across Pakistan

Persistent monsoon rains continued to lash several parts of Pakistan on Tuesday, triggering fresh flood alerts, increasing river flows,

Persistent monsoon rains continued to lash several parts of Pakistan on Tuesday, triggering fresh flood alerts, increasing river flows, and prompting disaster management authorities to remain on high alert as another spell of rain is expected over the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), weak monsoon currents are currently affecting the country’s upper and eastern regions, while a westerly weather system continues to influence northwestern areas. The department has forecast humid weather across much of Pakistan, with rain and thunderstorms likely in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Punjab through Wednesday.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported that the Indus River remains in a low flood situation at Kalabagh and Chashma, while water levels in all other major rivers are currently within normal limits or below the low-flood threshold. Authorities believe the overall hydrological situation is expected to remain stable over the next 24 hours, although scattered rainfall in the upper catchments may slightly increase river flows.

Chenab River Under Close Watch

Officials are closely monitoring the Chenab River after India released additional water from the Baglihar Dam following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the river. According to available reports, three spillway gates of the dam were opened on Monday, adding to the two spillways that had already been opened several days earlier, resulting in higher downstream water flows.

In response, the FFD has issued a low to medium flood alert for Head Marala during the next 24 hours. The latest hydrological data shows inflows of approximately 93,900 cusecs, while outflows stand at around 76,200 cusecs. Forecasts indicate inflows may range between 80,000 and 100,000 cusecs, with the river expected to remain in the low flood category.

Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across the Country

During the last 24 hours, widespread rainfall was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.

Among the highest rainfall recorded by the PMD, Saidu Sharif received 86 millimetres, Kakul 71 millimetres, and Faisalabad 77 millimetres. Meanwhile, Sibbi remained the hottest city in the country with a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius.

The FFD’s rainfall monitoring system recorded exceptionally heavy downpours in Faisalabad, where Ghulam Muhammad Abad Water Works received 126 millimetres of rain, while the WASA Head Office recorded 123 millimetres. Significant rainfall was also reported in Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat, and several surrounding areas.

PDMA Warns of Urban Flooding and Landslides

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that monsoon rains affected most districts of the province over the past day. The authority said advance planning, timely deployment of drainage machinery, and emergency response teams helped clear accumulated rainwater from urban areas despite the heavy showers.

The PDMA warned that the current monsoon spell is likely to continue until August 5, with additional rainfall in upper catchment areas expected to increase water levels in eastern rivers and seasonal streams.

Authorities have cautioned that urban flooding remains a significant risk in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan. At the same time, the possibility of landslides persists in Murree, Galliyat, and other mountainous regions due to continuous rainfall.

Authorities Urge Public to Take Precautions

Disaster management authorities have established flood relief camps in vulnerable districts to facilitate emergency response if required. Residents living near riverbanks, seasonal streams, and flood-prone areas have been advised to relocate to safer locations as a precaution.