Karachi: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a comprehensive alert for heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the country. While most of Sindh is expected to experience hot weather, Sanghar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mithi, and Mirpurkhas are specifically forecast to receive rainfall under this alert.
Meanwhile, Sehwan Sharif's katcha area has been battling flood-like conditions for the past 10 days, with land connections severed for several villages across three union councils.
Further up the Indus, a significant flood wave has entered Dera Ghazi Khan, and multiple low-lying areas, including Kacha Chauhan and Kacha Mianwali No. 1 and 2, have been submerged.
This has led to the destruction of thousands of acres of crops, including moong and cotton, with transportation now limited to boats as ground routes remain impassable. Flood victims are actively being moved to safer locations.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide alert for possible severe weather conditions, forecasting heavy rainfall and the risk of flash floods and landslides across various regions until July 31st.
The alert highlights that Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides due to the anticipated heavy downpours. In Punjab, areas expected to receive rain include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.
For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is anticipated in Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Battagram, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Malakand, Mardan, Swabi, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kurram, Khyber, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Waziristan, and Tank.
In Balochistan, while most districts are expected to be hot and humid, Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Khuzdar, and Awaran have a forecast for rain.
The ongoing monsoon rains have triggered an alert for surging water levels in major rivers and nullahs. Rivers Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab are experiencing increased flows. The Indus River is currently at a low-level flood at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma, with water levels rising at Guddu Barrage.
In Jhang, the overflowing Chenab River has submerged over 10 villages, with floodwaters entering farmlands and residential areas, and connecting roads now underwater. Hafizabad has reported increased erosion along the banks of the Chenab.
The flood situation persists in the Indus River at Taunsa Sharif, where agricultural land has been swept away. In Bhakkar, the overflowing Indus has damaged crops, and several areas of Isa Khel Tehsil in Mianwali are submerged.
The Deputy Commissioner has taken proactive measures, directing the Assistant Commissioner to visit the affected regions. The Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), accompanied by staff, surveyed the flooded areas by boat, engaged with flood victims, and addressed their concerns.
"The river is flowing normally through low-lying areas," the Assistant Commissioner stated, adding, "A survey of damaged crops will be conducted once the water recedes. The government and administration stand with flood victims every step of the way."
Separately, in connection with the Babusar tragedy, a private TV anchor remains among the missing individuals. During the ongoing search operation, the anchor's card and purse have been recovered.
