Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert to major city administrations, warning of potential urban flooding due to heavy monsoon rains expected in the next 24 hours. The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center has forecast additional monsoon rains from Sunday night through Monday, with intermittent breaks, according to state media reports.
Heavy rainfall is expected to lead to flash floods in low-lying areas of cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Residents in these regions are advised to stay vigilant and follow local authorities’ instructions. The NDMA has directed relevant departments to take measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and extreme weather conditions.
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In Sindh province, warnings have also been issued for possible flash floods in Jacobabad, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jamshoro, and Dadu districts. Since July 1, torrential monsoon rains have resulted in at least 180 deaths across Pakistan, including 64 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan, known for its climate vulnerability, experienced its “wettest April since 1961” this year, with 59.3 millimeters of rainfall and at least 144 deaths due to thunderstorms and structural collapses.
On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the importance of citizen participation in a national tree plantation campaign to address climate challenges. He noted that only 5 percent of Pakistan’s land area is forested and emphasized the need for increased forestation to alleviate environmental pressures.
In 2022, unusually heavy rains led to widespread flash floods across Pakistan, causing over 1,700 deaths, approximately $30 billion in damages, and affecting around 30 million people.
