Weather department warns windstorms and heavy downpours could damage weak structures and disrupt roads
Over 280 people have died due to monsoon rains in Pakistan since July
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast another round of monsoon showers across various parts of the country this week. Authorities have warned of potential urban flooding in several cities in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A westerly wave is expected to approach the upper parts of Pakistan on Monday, bringing storms and heavy thundershowers to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan, the PMD said in a statement.
“Heavy downpours may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar on September 2 and 3,” the department cautioned.
The PMD has also warned of potential damage to weak structures, such as the roofs and walls of mud houses, as well as disruptions to roads, electric poles, and solar panels due to the heavy downpours, windstorms, and lightning.
“The forecasted weather conditions could pose significant challenges in the coming days, particularly in areas prone to flooding,” the PMD said.
In addition to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rains are expected to hit several cities in southern Sindh and southwestern Balochistan until September 4. The Met Office has advised travelers and tourists to exercise extra caution and urged farmers to plan their activities considering the upcoming weather conditions.
Commuters ride on motorcycles during a rain in Karachi, Pakistan August 2, 2024.
AFP
Pakistan has been grappling with severe monsoon rains this season, which have claimed over 280 lives since July 1, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
As the new monsoon system approaches, the PMD has also urged all relevant authorities to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the upcoming rains. “All concerned authorities should stay vigilant and prepared for any potential emergencies,” the PMD statement emphasized.
Changes in monsoon season
This year's rains have again caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture, exacerbating the challenges faced by the country’s already struggling economy.
Last week, heavy rains led to flash floods in Karachi - Pakistan's largest city - causing significant power outages and the closure of schools. Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz noted that the recent weather patterns are consistent with the erratic changes observed in Pakistan’s climate over recent years, changes that scientists have linked to global climate change.
“These extreme weather events, including the heavy monsoon rains we are currently experiencing, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change,” Sarfaraz explained. “Pakistan, like many other countries, is increasingly vulnerable to these changes, which are putting additional stress on our communities and infrastructure.”
The monsoon season in Pakistan typically runs from July to September, but the intensity and distribution of rainfall have become increasingly unpredictable.
Pakistan recorded its wettest April since 1961, with 59.3 millimeters of rainfall. This was followed by deadly heatwaves in May and June, affecting large swathes of the country.
In 2022, unusually heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread floods in many parts of Pakistan, killing over 1,700 people and causing an estimated $30 billion in economic losses. The floods affected at least 30 million people, with many still struggling to rebuild their lives.
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