More rains predicted as flash floods wreak havoc

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more rain for Saturday, with heavy downpours likely in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Potohar region, and Kashmir.

Officials warned that additional rains could worsen flooding in local streams and rivers and trigger more landslides in the hilly areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Murree, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

A PDMA spokesperson said this year’s monsoon began earlier than usual and is expected to end later. “In the next 15 days, the intensity of the monsoon will further increase,” he cautioned.

According to the Met Office, heavy rain with thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad and several other parts of the country.

In Balochistan, showers are likely in Musakhel, Loralai, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Naseerabad, Khuzdar, Awaran, and Lasbela.

KP cloudburst: Death toll crosses 200, day of mourning observed

In Punjab, rain is forecast for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sargodha, Khushab, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, and Faisalabad. Strong winds and thunderstorms are also expected in Khushab and surrounding areas. Southern Punjab districts including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, and Rajanpur are also likely to receive rain.

In Sindh, showers are predicted in Karachi, Badin, Dadu, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mithi. KP districts such as Swat, Dir, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Abbottabad, Mardan, Mansehra, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, and Bajaur are expected to see heavy rains, while Peshawar, Mohmand, Kurram, Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Hangu are also likely to be affected. Some parts of Waziristan may face thunderstorms with strong winds.

Flash floods devastate Buner as KP death toll crosses 330

Authorities have urged people to remain alert, stay away from rivers and streams, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Tourists have been advised to postpone visits to northern areas for the next five to six days until the situation normalizes.