ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast more showers, thunder- and hailstorms in upper parts of Pakistan from June 16 till June 22 that may lead to urban flooding, urging general public, farmers and tourists to exercise caution.
The statement came days after heavy rains killed at least a dozen people and injured over 50 others in several incidents in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces.
The PMD said a westerly wave is likely to penetrate several districts across KP, Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and persist in some areas till June 22.
“Strong windstorm/ hailstorm and lightning may damage weak structures... Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from 16th to 21st June,” the PMD said.
“Heavy rains may cause Urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.”
It urged authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.
“Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions,” the PMD said.
“Tourists and travelers are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period.”
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and has faced increasingly frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rains, floods, heatwaves, cyclones and droughts, in recent years.
Torrential rains battered several parts of Pakistan in late March and early April, with the nationwide death toll in rain-related incidents crossing 80.
At least 1,000 people were killed last year when intense monsoon rains, combined with excess water released from Indian dams, triggered flash floods across the country.
