Pakistan’s Met Department (PMD) has anticipated a new bout of heavy monsoon rains in the country from July 29 and has asked all concerned agencies to stay alert to probable weather-related catastrophes.

Upper and central sections of the country will continue to come under the influence of monsoon currents carrying moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, said the PMD. A robust weather system from the west is likely to penetrate most parts of Pakistan from August 1, resulting in intensified rainfall.

The department said rain and thunderstorms are predicted to occur intermittently in Azad Jammu and Kashmir from Tuesday night to August 5 with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Heavy rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms from July 29 to August 4 are also expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat and other parts of Punjab.

Rainfall is forecast in southern Punjab encompassing Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur from July 31 to August 3.

Most of the districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are anticipated to receive rain, thunderstorm with isolated heavy precipitation from July 29 to August 5. Gilgit-Baltistan is projected to receive moderate to heavy rains from Tuesday evening to August 6.

The PMD also predicted rain with heavy rains at isolated areas in eastern and southern Balochistan from the evening of July 31 to August 3. Several districts of Sindh are likely to receive thunderstorm and rain from the evening of July 31 to August 2.

The weather agency had predicted urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad between July 30 and August 4.

Low-lying districts of Sindh include Nawabshah, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Tando Allahyar are all expected to be inundated.

The PMD also cautioned about landslides in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir from July 30 to August 5. It also warned of flash floods in hill torrents in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeastern Balochistan.

The government warned of damage to flimsy dwellings, solar panels, power poles and billboards caused by strong winds, heavy rain and lightning.

The PMD recommended people, visitors and travellers to avoid needless travel during the poor weather and follow preventive measures. Farmers have been advised to prepare agricultural activities as per the forecast while livestock owners have been asked to guarantee safety of their animals.

All concerned authorities have been advised to remain alert and take preventive steps so as to effectively respond to any emergency situation.