More Rain, Wind, and Thunderstorms Forecasted

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted further rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms for Saturday.

The weather advisory indicates that KP, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, the Potohar region, North-East Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience more rains tomorrow.

The weather department cautioned that isolated heavy downpours are also anticipated in upper KP, the Pothohar region, and Kashmir. Additionally, rain is likely in northeast/south Balochistan, south Punjab, and southeast Sindh during the evening and night.

This forecast comes in the wake of devastating flash floods and heavy rains that have claimed nearly 200 lives in the country’s north over the last 24 hours.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 194 individuals have died and numerous others have sustained injuries in northern areas due to cloudbursts and heavy rainfall triggering flash floods and landslides.

The fatalities include 180 in KP, five in GB, and nine in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Authorities anticipate that the death toll may rise given the unstable situation.

A KP government helicopter involved in delivering relief supplies to Bajaur’s Salarzai region crashed amidst adverse weather conditions over Mohmand district, resulting in the death of all five people on board, according to Faraz Mughal, spokesperson for KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The PMD’s daily weather update indicates partly cloudy conditions with rain and wind expected in KP, Kashmir, Upper Punjab, Northeastern/Southern Balochistan, Southeastern Sindh, and GB today.

The advisory further stated that “Isolated heavy falls are also expected in Upper KP, Potohar region, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas.”

The weather department warned that significant rainfall could lead to flash floods in local streams and nullahs of upper KP, Kashmir, GB, the Pothohar region, and north-east Punjab.

Moreover, they cautioned that landslides and mudslides may cause road blockages in vulnerable hilly terrains of KP, GB, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir during the anticipated period.

The Met Office also highlighted the potential for heavy rainfall, windstorms, and lightning to damage fragile structures like roofs and walls of rudimentary houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels during the projected timeframe.

The PMD is advising the general public, travelers, and tourists to avoid unnecessary exposure to susceptible areas and stay informed on the latest weather updates.