Met Dept warns of floods, landslides; predicts more heavy rains this week

ISLAMABAD, (NNI): As intermittent rain continues to blanket various parts of Pakistan, including Punjab, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Meteorological Department has predicted more rain today with authorities on high alert for potential flooding and landslides.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rain and hail in some areas, with a risk of flooding in rivers and low-lying areas, as well as landslides in mountainous regions.

In Balochistan, heavy rain and snowfall have been reported in several areas, including Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, and Quetta, with Pasni recording the highest rainfall of 90mm.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper and southwest Balochistan are likely to experience more rain with thunderstorms today. The mountainous areas of Balochistan are likely to experience snowfall today, while heavy rain is expected to cause flooding in the river channels of Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, Shirani, Muslim Bagh, Quetta, Pishin, Naseerabad, Jafarabad, Mastung, Sibbi, Loralai, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar and Turbat, where low-lying areas might get submerged.

Similar weather patterns are expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Malakand, Balakot, Kalam, Saidu Sharif, Shangla, Naran and Kaghan in addition to the threat of landslides.

In Lahore, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecasted rain in the coming week, while Karachi anticipates heavy rainfall starting from April 18 due to the second wave of westerly winds entering the city on April 17. Quetta is preparing for a new rain system entering the region, with heavy rains predicted for North Balochistan and coastal areas on April 17 and 18. The new system will cause rainfall for three days, as per the Met Department.

In Charsadda, the water level in rivers has risen due to the rain in the upper areas. The rising water levels in the Swat River have prompted residents to remain vigilant, and authorities have advised those living near rivers to avoid the edges. There is also a low-level flood reported in the Khayali area of Swat.

In Abbottabad, intermittent rain is expected to continue for three days, while in Dera Ismail Khan, storm drains have flooded due to heavy rainfall, and snowfall has returned to the mountain ranges of Mount Sulaiman.

The city of Batakhela in Malakand is experiencing flooding in rivers and canals, with the Swat River's water level rising significantly. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the Irrigation Department and local administrations taking precautionary measures to minimize damage and ensure the safety of residents. > Honorary Editorial Board