RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain is likely to hit the country before and during Eidul Azha that might cause flash flooding and landsliding in upper and central parts of the country.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rains in most parts of the country, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, in the coming week.

Strong monsoon currents are likely to penetrate upper parts of the country from Sunday (evening/night) and may persist till Wednesday.

Under the influence of this weather system, rain accompanied by gusty winds and thundershower (with very heavy/torrential rain) is expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Dir, Swat, Buner, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Waziristan, Kurrum, Bannu, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Karak , Dera Ismail Khan and Gilgit-Baltistan from Sunday to Wednesday.

Rain with isolated heavy falls is also expected in Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Loralai, Barkhan, Zhob, Musa Khel, Quetta, Ziarat, Harnai, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Umerkot and Mirpurkhas from Monday (evening) to Thursday.

The PMD has warned that torrential rains might generate flash floods in local nullahs of Shangla, Buner, Batgram, Mansehra, Balakot, Abbottabad, Swat, Kohistan, Mardan, Charsadda, Kohat, Kashmir, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Narowal and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan from Monday to Wednesday.

Urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Nowshera is also expected during this period and torrential rains may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Monday to Wednesday.

According to the PMD, there is a possibility of damage as water level in rivers may rise significantly threatening nearby communities whereas heavy torrential rains may disrupt transport and communication systems therefore travellers are advised to remain cautious during the forecast period.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2021