The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain, wind, and thunderstorms across the upper parts of the country from September 15 to 19. It has also warned of potential flash floods, landslides, and damage to vulnerable structures. Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant. The Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also issued an alert for the 11th spell of monsoon rains from September 16 to 19 in the catchment areas of all major rivers in the province.
According to the Met Office, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are moving into the northern regions, while a westerly wave is expected to approach from the evening of September 15, persisting until September 19. Under these conditions, rain with thunderstorms is expected across various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan between September 16 and 19. In Punjab and Islamabad, rain and thunderstorms are also predicted in many cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, and Galiyat. Sindh and most of Balochistan will remain largely dry.
The PMD also warned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could damage vulnerable structures like homes, electric poles, and solar panels. Additionally, there is a risk of landslides in the hilly areas of KP, GB, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir. Heavy rainfall may trigger a rise in local streams and nullahs on September 18 and 19.
Flood Threat in Sindh
The situation in Sindh is also critical due to floodwaters moving downstream from Punjab. The Guddu Barrage was passing a peak of 627,000 cusecs, and irrigation officials have warned that the figure could climb to between 650,000 and 700,000 cusecs in the coming days. In view of the flood threat, over 163,000 people and 11,569 cattle have been moved to safer locations. The Motorway Police have also closed the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M-5) due to flooding.
Severe Damage to Cotton Zones
For the first time in the country’s history, all major cotton zones have been affected by simultaneous rains and floods. Although initial assessments suggest no major damage to the crop nationwide, with the exception of severe losses in Bahawalnagar, this week is critical for the fate of cotton and other crops. Ihsanul Haq, chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, stated that Pakistan is facing its biggest crisis due to Indian water aggression and unexpected rains.
Catastrophic Flooding in South Punjab
Catastrophic flooding continues to ravage south Punjab. Broken dikes along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers have submerged hundreds of villages, displacing millions of people. The PDMA and local administrations are managing evacuation and relief efforts in these areas.
Meanwhile, in Balochistan’s Kohlu district, four children, including three siblings, drowned after falling into a pit filled with rainwater.
