Emergency and relief services across Pakistan are on high alert as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts heavy rains beginning tomorrow. This new monsoon spell, expected to hit tonight, will likely cause urban flooding and landslides in several parts of the country. According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are set to penetrate the upper regions tonight and the central and southern regions from August 2.

Since early July, the PMD has predicted at least five spells of rain affecting various parts of the country. However, despite these forecasts, many regions have remained relatively dry. This upcoming spell, the sixth of the season, promises scattered downpours with intermittent breaks. The PMD has specifically warned of heavy rains causing urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other major cities from August 2 to 5.

Predicted Impact: Regions at Risk

The PMD’s forecast indicates that several areas in Sindh, including Jamshoro, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Thatta, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Dadu, are expected to experience heavy downpours. Similarly, Balochistan regions such as Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, and Quetta will also see significant rainfall. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rains with isolated very heavy falls are predicted, impacting Peshawar, Swat, Mansehra, and other regions.

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The new weather system will bring rain and thunderstorms to Kashmir, including Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad, continuing intermittently until August 6. Punjab and Islamabad will see scattered heavy rains, with isolated very heavy falls in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot. Southern Punjab cities like Multan and Bahawalpur will also be affected from August 2 to 6.

Economic and Social Implications

The anticipated heavy rains pose significant risks, particularly in terms of urban flooding and potential landslides. The PMD has warned of flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in regions such as Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Punjab. Major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar are particularly vulnerable to urban flooding.