Starting Wednesday, the country is set to experience an extended period of monsoon rains, with the Meteorological Department’s projections indicating rainfall continuing until August 27. These persistent showers heighten the risk of landslides in Pakistan’s hilly regions.
The Meteorological Department has alerted that substantial rainfall is expected as monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea converge with westerly winds, affecting the upper regions of Pakistan on August 22.
The forecast highlights regions likely to be affected by rain from August 23 to 27, including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Guliyat, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal. Additionally, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chitral, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, and Toba Tek Singh can expect varying degrees of both moderate and heavy precipitation.
Specifically, the Meteorological Department has predicted rain for DG Khan, Rajanpur, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar on the 25th and 26th of August. It’s important to note that these mountainous areas may be susceptible to landslides due to the precipitation, with potential hazards such as wind and hail posing risks to travelers. Additionally, weak infrastructures could be damaged.
Furthermore, low-lying areas in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Lahore may experience flooding from August 23 to 26 due to the expected rains.