Pakistan Meteorological Department Issues Monsoon Weather Alert for Southern Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy monsoon rains across Sindh, Balochistan, and other regions of the country, urging authorities to prepare for potential flooding and storm damage. The PMD issued a weather warning on Tuesday, indicating that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are penetrating southern Pakistan.

Rainfall Expected in Sindh and Balochistan: Locations Affected

Sindh:

• Widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in Mithi, Tharparkar, Umer Kot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, and Jamshoro.

• Scattered showers are likely in Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and Jacobabad till August 22.

  Balochistan:

  • Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibi, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, and Panjgur are expected to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers with heavy rainfall through August 22.

    Monsoon Impact on Other Regions

    Other areas, including Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree/Galliyat, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Rajanpur), as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi), may see isolated rain and thunderstorms.

    Monsoon Rainfall and Flooding Risks in Pakistan

    The PMD has warned that torrential rains may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, particularly in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, Umer Kot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, and Jamshoro. Additionally, flash floods are likely in the north and southeastern parts of Balochistan.

    Precautions and Safety Measures for Residents and Travelers

    The public is urged to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas, and adhere to the latest weather alerts. Travelers and tourists should exercise caution, especially in flood-prone regions.

    Possible Hazards: Windstorms, Lightning, and Structural Damage

    In addition to rain, strong windstorms and lightning could pose a threat to infrastructure. These conditions may damage weak structures such as kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.