Next monsoon spell from July 31, flooding predicted

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has predicted the next monsoon spell from July 31 to August 6.

The National Disaster Management Authority deputy chairman chaired the NCOC meeting. Officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Federal Flood Commission, PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authorities) and other departments attended the meeting.

The ongoing heavy rains have claimed the lives of 133 individuals since June 25, the meeting was told.

The NCOC meeting focused on the current situation resulting from the recent rains, rescue and relief operations, the condition of roads, bridges, dams, and rivers due to flash flooding.

During the meeting, it was disclosed that Tarbela and Mangla dams have already surpassed 70% of their capacity while the Chenab River has caused flooding, affecting 60 villages.

Moreover, the Indian dams of Pong and Thien were also completely filled, leading to the likelihood of India releasing water into the River Ravi.

The officials further revealed that during the upcoming monsoon spell, there remains a concern for flash floods and urban flooding, as well as the possibility of landslides.

Pakistan experienced its worst flooding in a decade due to extreme monsoon rains in mid-June 2022. The floods killed more than 1,100 people, affected more than 33 million people, and destroyed or damaged millions of houses, public facilities, water systems, and crops.

The summer monsoon between June and September brings 70-80% of south Asia’s annual rainfall every year. It is vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and food security in a region of about 2 billion people – but it also triggers landslides and floods.

Read more: Rain-related deaths rise to 133: NDMA

Damage to thousands of kilometres of roads and dozens of bridges this season hampered access to flood-hit areas. People were forced to take shelter on higher ground wherever they can – on elevated roads and railway tracks, many accompanied by surviving livestock.

Others sought shelter in camps run by aid agencies.

According to the UN, around 33 million Pakistanis were affected by the flooding, with more than 500,000 houses destroyed or damaged.

Raging flood waters also swept away 700,000 head of livestock and damaged more than 3.6 million acres of crops – wiping out cotton, wheat, vegetable and fruit harvests.