Monsoon rains to hit upper, central Pakistan Aug 13-15

Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts fresh monsoon rains from Aug 13-15 across upper and central regions, warning of urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. ISLAMABAD: A fresh spell of monsoon rains is expected to hit upper and central parts of the country from August 13 to 15, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning of urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. According to a weather advisory issued on Wednesday, monsoon currents were penetrating the upper parts of the country in combination with a westerly wave. Rain accompanied by strong winds and thundershowers is expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Mirpur, Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad. In northeastern Punjab, rainfall is forecast in Murree, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and adjoining areas from the night of August 12 through August 15, with intermittent breaks. Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Pothohar region are likely to receive rain, wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, from the night of August 13 to August 15. Rain is also expected in several districts of central and southern Punjab, including Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, as well as parts of Balochistan including Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel. In Sindh, partly cloudy to cloudy conditions are expected in southeastern and coastal areas, with rain and thundershowers likely in Tharparkar, Umerkot and Sanghar on August 12 and 13. Hot and humid weather will persist elsewhere in the province. The PMD warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore during the forecast period. It also cautioned about possible landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir. The Met Office advised tourists to remain cautious while travelling through vulnerable areas and urged farmers to plan agricultural activities according to prevailing weather conditions. The warning comes as Pakistan continues to experience casualties from the ongoing monsoon season. According to the National Disaster Management Authority, 155 people have died and 460 others have been injured in rain-related incidents so far this season. The PMD noted that while monsoon rains are vital for replenishing water resources, intense downpours can also trigger flash floods, urban flooding, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable areas.