The Climate Change Minister, Sherry Rehman, has called upon the general public and relevant authorities, including non-government organizations (NGOs), to stay vigilant as there are anticipated heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms anticipated to strike the nation within the next 24-48 hours.
Heavy Rains Expected in Pakistan
“On the prediction of rainfall effects in the upcoming 24-48 hours in Pakistan. The greatest volume of precipitation will occur in cities such as Lahore, Narowal, and Sialkot in the province of Punjab. Other provinces have also been alerted about the likelihood of substantial to moderate rainfall,” stated the climate minister on her official Twitter account.
She mentioned that alerts had been issued for urban flooding in cities and municipal areas with the potential for landslides. “Effective preparedness and proactive responses are crucial for saving lives, so all response teams, both public and NGOs in the affected regions, must remain watchful and prepared,” she further stated.
As per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), there is a chance of intense thunderstorms and heavy precipitation in the northern and northeastern parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal. Moreover, there are expected to be high or very high river flows in Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and their associated Nullahs — Bhimber, Aik, Deg, Palkhu, and Basanter.
“The aforementioned conditions could lead to urban flooding in municipal areas and landslides in mountainous regions,” the NDMA appended.
In the meantime, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are anticipated in Karachi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Badin, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
“Thunderstorms and rainfall predicted in Northeastern Balochistan (Sibbi, Zhob, Kohlu, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Loralai, Dera Bugti & Lasbela) and certain regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bannu, DI Khan, Malam Jabba, Balakot,” it stated.
What are the guidelines?
The NDMA has advised the city and district administration to ensure contingency traffic plans for areas vulnerable to flooding in urban centres, catering for prompt de-watering operations in flooded underpasses.
The district administration is advised to ensure the completion of stock-taking and reconnaissance and public awareness in vulnerable areas, especiallyMarala Headworks on River Chenab and Jassar on River Ravi with chances of flood flows until July 20.
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“Rescue Services & leading NGOs will ensure the availability of personnel in the indicated areas,” said the authority, adding that all stakeholders to maintain proactive coordination in order to ensure prompt and streamlined response.