Monsoon rains are no less than a warning signal. The Meteorological Department has advised citizens heading to hilly areas to take precautionary measures, warning that these rains have increased the risk of urban flooding.
Before setting out for a scenic trip with your loved ones and family, be sure to check the weather forecast by the Meteorological Department.
Yesterday, the Meteorological Department issued a new alert to inform citizens about the potential flood risks due to monsoon rains.
According to the alert, in the next 72 hours, the flow of water in rivers Jhelum and Chenab and their connected streams will be extremely fast, while the flow in river Kabul and its connected streams will be of moderate intensity.
During this time, urban flooding may occur in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sargodha divisions.
On the other hand, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed, speaking to BBC, provided guidelines for those living in low-lying and hilly areas.
According to him, there is less risk of floods in areas near rivers, but urban flooding is possible.
Guidelines for low-lying areas:
He advised, "Citizens living in low-lying areas should regularly inspect their homes' roofs and walls and, in case of water accumulation, ensure its immediate drainage. In hilly areas, attempting to pass through flash floods on a motorcycle or vehicle for adventure is extremely dangerous."
Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed stated that while there is no flood situation in the country's rivers, the changing rainfall patterns due to climate change increase the possibility of a flood event in case of any extreme weather incident.
According to Pakistan's Meteorological Department, heavy rains are forecasted in the upper regions of the country, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and parts of Kashmir, during this monsoon season. In contrast, southern parts of the country will see relatively less rainfall this year.
How has the rain pattern been?
The spokesperson for NDMA stated that the rain pattern has been intense so far, which is why there is a perception of more rainfall this year. However, according to the Meteorological Department, the total rainfall will be similar to previous years, though the pattern may vary.
As of the end of July, water flow in the country's major rivers remains normal. However, according to NDMA, urban areas with dense populations, busy roads, and industrialization, affected by climate change, may face a flood situation this monsoon.
They further added that the increase in temperature has led to recent "extremely unusual events" in Kashmir and Chitral.
It is worth mentioning that in Kashmir, heavy rain caused by cloudburst resulted in several deaths, while in the Golain Valley of Chitral, a glacial lake burst earlier this month, causing significant damage to infrastructure and public property.
When asked about the challenges posed by the unusual rain pattern and monsoon season due to climate change, Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed stated that while a flood situation similar to 2010 is not expected, extreme events such as cloudbursts or the bursting of a lake cannot be ignored, and damage is possible in such cases.
It is worth noting that earlier this month, 22 people were killed, and widespread destruction occurred due to a cloudburst in the Neelum Valley of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Similarly, in 2001, 61 people died after a cloudburst hit Islamabad, followed by rain in Rawalpindi, Hazara, and Malakand in the same spell.
The armed forces can be called in during emergencies:
NDMA has developed a plan to deal with such emergencies in coordination with all stakeholders, including provincial disaster management agencies, rescue agencies, and civil defense. District administrations have also conducted emergency preparedness exercises before the monsoon season.
The spokesperson mentioned that in case of an extraordinary situation, if district and provincial administrations are unable to manage, the armed forces can be called in for assistance.
They also advised caution until the water levels in streams and rivers recede during the monsoon season, and warned that touching exposed electrical wires or poles during floods or rain can be dangerous.
It is worth mentioning that several deaths have occurred due to electric shocks in Karachi after rainwater accumulation in the past two days.
NDMA's spokesperson advised tourists heading to hilly areas to be cautious, saying that "Tourists should engage in safe tourism."
Plan your trip with your family after checking the Meteorological Department's forecast, and head towards safe routes and destinations. Knowing the weather before heading to landslide-prone areas can prevent major disasters."
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