The people and authorities, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have been asked to remain vigilant as severe rains and thundershowers are predicted to hit the country in the next 24 to 48 hours, according to climate change minister Sherry Rehman.
“Forecast of rain impacts in the 24-48 hours in Pakistan. The highest amount of rainfall will be in Punjab’s cities like Lahore, Narowal, Sialkot. Other provinces have been alerted too for heavy to moderate rain,” the climate minister wrote on her official Twitter handle.
The estimated number of people that may be impacted by the rains in the next 48 hours in Pakistan according to @ndmapk #climatechange https://t.co/2cBz36XEmV pic.twitter.com/VIzfV2wGYc
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) July 9, 2023
She said urban flooding alerts had been issued for cities and municipal areas with risks of landslides. “Coordinated preparedness and proactive responses save lives, so all response teams, both public and NGOs in the affected areas need to stay vigilant, ready,” she added.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), there is a possibility of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in north/northeastern Punjab including Lahore, Sialkot and Narowal with high or very high river flows in Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and its associated Nullahs — Bhimber, Aik, Deg, Palkhu and Basanter — are expected.
“Above condition may cause urban flooding in municipal areas and landsliding in hilly regions,” the NDMA added.
#NEOC Projections(Next 48 hr):
1.Possibility of severe thunderstorms /hvy rainfall in North /Northeastern Punjab (incld Lahore, Sialkot & Narowal).w/a high-very high river flows in Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej & its associated Nullahs (Bhimber, Aik, Deg, Palkhu & Basanter) are expected. pic.twitter.com/n39R1h1nUM— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 8, 2023
Meanwhile, Karachi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Badin, and Shaheed Benazirabad are likely to experience thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
“Thunderstorms & rainfall expected in Northeastern Balochistan (Sibbi, Zhob, Kohlu, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Loralai, Dera Bugti & Lasbela) and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Bannu, DI Khan, Malam Jabba, Balakot,” it added.
What are the guidelines?
In order to accommodate for quick de-watering operations in flooded underpasses, the NDMA has encouraged the municipal and district administration to develop contingency traffic plans for regions vulnerable to flooding in urban centers.
The district administration is urged to make sure that the inventory, reconnaissance, and public awareness processes are finished in sensitive regions, particularly Marala Headworks on the Chenab River and Jassar on the Ravi River with potential flood flows until July 20.
“Rescue Services & leading NGOs will ensure the availability of personnel in the indicated areas,” said the authority, adding that all stakeholders to maintain proactive coordination in order to ensure prompt and streamlined response.
