Heavy rains predicted in country from tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in different parts of the country from tomorrow.

The western system of rains is likely to enter the upper parts of the country from July 1, the Meteorological Department has predicted pre-monsoon rains from tomorrow.

According to weather forecasters, rains are expected in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree from July 1 to 6, heavy rains are also likely in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh.

The Meteorological Department says that due to the rains, there is a risk of flooding in rivers and urban flooding in low-lying areas. Meteorological Department experts say that pre-monsoon rains are likely to start in different districts of the country from July 1.

This year, the regular rains are expected to start from the northeastern Punjab and Kashmir regions of the country, after which rains are expected in the upper northern parts of the country and the northeastern regions of Punjab from July 1.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has predicted rains in most districts of the province until July 6 and has warned of the risk of urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is likely in several districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Narowal. Similarly, rain is also expected in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Okara, Kasur, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran and surrounding areas.

According to DG PDMA Umar Javed, on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, an alert has been issued to commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province so that any emergency situation can be dealt with effectively.

PDMA has directed citizens to avoid going to open places during lightning and thunder, to stay in safe places during dust and strong winds, while tourists traveling to northern areas should take precautionary measures. In case of any emergency, citizens can contact PDMA’s helpline 1129.

The NDMA has issued a warning that due to the ongoing heat wave in the country, the snow and glaciers on the mountains have started melting very quickly. Due to the rains, there is a great risk of sudden melting of glaciers, bursting of mountain lakes, flooding and landslides.

According to the NDMA, the melting of glacial snow in the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir will cause the flow of water in the rivers and streams there to be very fast and the water level may suddenly rise.

The NDMA has warned tourists, travelers passing through the routes and the local people there to stay away from the streams and river banks emerging from the glaciers so that they can be safe from any major accident.