ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning to relevant authorities to stay alert in anticipation of heavy rains in July, as the monsoon season approaches int Pakistan. The NDMA issued a warning regarding the onset of the monsoon, anticipating heavy rainfall across various area of the South Asian country, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, in the first week of the next month.
The forecast predicts moderate to very heavy rains that could lead to increased water levels in local streams, rivers, and nullahs, potentially causing flash floods in vulnerable areas. The monsoon rain may also trigger hill torrents in vulnerable regions such as Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur, as well as in the Suleman and Kirthar Ranges. Urban flooding is also expected in vulnerable areas nationwide.
Moreover, there is a risk of landslides in areas prone to such incidents, including Murree, Galiyat, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The NDMA additionally cautioned about potential damage from dust storms, wind-thunderstorms, and heavy downpours, particularly to unstable structures, and advised the public to stay informed about the anticipated weather conditions.
Heatwave to Continue in Karachi
The highest temperature on Sunday was recorded in Jacobabad at 46°C, followed by 45°C in Dadu, Turbat and Hafizabad and 44°C in Bhakkar and Sakrand areas of Sindh. Karachi also continued to sizzle as temperature climbed to 41°C on Sunday with relative humidity at 54 per cent.
The Met Department has predicted that the weather pattern will continue during the next three days. The maximum temperature is likely to range between 38 and 40°C in the next days. Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz said that the weather is hot due to dry, saying that the sea breeze would either be light or remain suspended during these days. The monsoon would likely start in southeast Sindh in the first week of July, he added.
