New spell of monsoon brings heavy rains, flood alerts in Pakistan

Islamabad and Rawalpindi were blasted by heavy rains and thunderstorms while Lahore and several other cities of Punjab also experienced extensive rains, which brought down the temperature considerably.

Rain was also reported in Gujrat, Hafizabad, Daska and Wazirabad. The downpour caused urban flooding in low-lying sections of Gujrat.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of potential landslides in northern Pakistan and flash flooding in hilly areas as the monsoon system increases.

According to the NDMA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides during the current phase.

She said an Emergency reaction Committee had been constituted to ensure a prompt and coordinated reaction to occurrences connected to rain, while consultations with the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other relevant institutions were continuing.

Hassan said NDMA personnel would soon visit the provinces to coordinate readiness steps with local administration.

She added catastrophe mapping, risk assessments and stocktaking had previously been conducted and emergency supplies had already been positioned at the provincial level to facilitate a speedy response if needed.

Authorities have warned citizens, particularly those in mountainous and low-lying areas, to be alert and avoid needless travel when heavy rain falls and to obey official weather advisories.