Pakistan is preparing for a series of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecasted from April 17 to April 29, according to alerts from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and weather experts.
These storms could lead to floods and pose risks to many areas across the country.
The first weather system is expected to hit Balochistan from April 17 to 19, followed by Punjab and Sindh from April 18 to 19. Upper Punjab will experience these conditions from April 18 to 21, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will be affected from April 17 to 22.
A milder system is expected from April 23 to 24, affecting Balochistan, upper Punjab, KP, GB, and AJK. Sindh, however, would remain mostly unaffected.
A stronger weather system is predicted from April 25 to 29, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. Balochistan will face these conditions from April 25 to 29, with intermittent breaks. Sindh will see impacts on April 25, 26, and 28, while South Punjab will be affected from April 27 to 28. Upper Punjab and KP will also face severe weather, potentially impacting GB and AJK as well.
Flash floods are expected in vulnerable areas like Khuzdar, Ziarat, Quetta, and Gwadar, among others. Low-lying areas, especially in southern western Balochistan, could also experience flooding.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has directed Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and other relevant departments to remain vigilant. They are urged to mobilize resources, prepare equipment, and ensure staff readiness in vulnerable areas.
Local authorities have been tasked to inform residents near rivers and nullahs about potential rising water levels and to assist with timely evacuations. Citizens are advised to take precautions, take precautions, avoiding areas near electric poles, weak structures, and flooded roads to ensure their safety.
Farmers, cattle owners, tourists, and travelers are advised to stay updated on weather and road conditions, taking necessary precautions to protect crops, livestock, and personal safety.
Heavy rain kills 71 in Pakistan
Since Saturday, heavy rains and lightning have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, resulting in 71 deaths and injuring 67 others, according to media reports.
The northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was the worst-hit region, with 32 fatalities reported due to incidents like roof collapses and lightning strikes. Among the deceased, 15 were children and five were women. Additionally, 41 individuals sustained injuries, and 1,370 houses were damaged in the province.
In eastern Punjab province, 23 people lost their lives, with seven others sustaining injuries. Meanwhile, southwest Balochistan province reported eight fatalities and eight injuries due to the severe weather.
AJK also experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in eight deaths, 11 injuries, and the destruction of 47 houses, the official added.