Torrential rains: Travel advisory issued for northern areas  

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast torrential rains and land sliding across the country during the next 24 hours with occasional gaps while a travel advisory has also been issued for tourists to avoid travel to northern areas of the country.

Heavy downpour may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera and Peshawar during August 16, 18 and 19. PMD predicted heavy rains in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh and Balochistan with occasional gaps.

Amid heavy monsoon spell, NDMA has issued flood alert for Chenab river. Amid heavy to very high level flood in Chenab river, villages/towns and settlements adjacent to Marala, Khanki, Kadirabad may be affected by high flood levels. Catchment areas of river Chenab including Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Chiniot etc are also at risk of flooding.

In Kashmir, rain-wind, thundershower with few heavyfalls are expected in Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from August 16-20 with occasional gaps.

In Punjab heavy falls are expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab and Sargodha from August 16-20 with occasional gaps.

Rain with isolated heavy falls is expected in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan and Layyah on August 16 and August 17 with occasional gaps.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, scattered heavyfalls are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan.

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 In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) from August 16-18 with occasional gaps. About the possible impacts, low lying areas inundation is expected in Balochistan and Sindh.

Torrential rains may generate landslides/flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of DG Khan, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Awaran, Panjgur, Washuk, Mastung, Lasbela during next 48 hours.

Torrential rains may generate landslides/flash flooding in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Northeast Punjab, Hill torrents of and Kashmir.

The landslides may cause road closure at the vulnerable hilly areas of Balochistan from August 16-19 while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the wet period.

Heavy downpour and lightning may affect daily routines, and may damage weak structures like roof/wall of Kacha houses, electric poles, bill boards, vehicles, cause disruptions in the roads and solar panels etc during the period. Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast.

Travelers and tourists are advised to remain extra cautious and manage their traveling according to weather conditions and avoid any untoward situation during the wet spell. All authorities concerned are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.

The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) anticipated more rains, wind and thundershower with isolated heavy rains in various regions of the country.

NDMA urges all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides.

NDMA issued instructions to all relevant departments to alert Emergency Response Teams and mobilized resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations.

Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during the forecasted period. The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.