The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted widespread rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms across various regions of the country over the next 24 hours. This weather system is anticipated to impact Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and several other areas.
Strong winds and rain have already begun in parts of the country, and the PMD expects this trend to continue, bringing heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms to northeastern Balochistan, Punjab, Islamabad, KP, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). While these regions brace for wet weather, other parts of the country are expected to remain hot and dry.
The recent pre-monsoon rain in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas has heightened concerns about monsoon floods, particularly in Nullah Leh and other rain drains. The heavy rainfall on the night of June 17 marked the beginning of the flood season, which typically spans from June 15 to August 15. This initial downpour has already strained the local administration, underscoring the urgent need for flood preparedness.
The influx of rainwater has significantly increased the water levels in Rawal, Simli, and Khanpur dams, which are crucial for supplying water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This unexpected rise in water levels has temporarily alleviated the anticipated summer water crisis for the twin cities.
However, there are concerns regarding the preparedness of flood control infrastructure. The cleaning and desilting of the 18 km Nullah Leh and 10 major rain drains have not been completed, as these efforts were temporarily paused due to the Eid ul Adha holidays. This delay poses a risk of clogging and potential flooding if heavy rains persist.
The PMD has urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have assured that all possible measures will be taken to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and prevent any severe flooding incidents.
