Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a monsoon weather update predicting significant rainfall across multiple regions in Pakistan from the evening of July 16 through July 21, leading to potential urban flooding and landslides in hilly areas.

According to National Disaster Management Authority, rain-wind and thundershowers are expected in the northeastern districts of Balochistan, including Khuzdar and Kalat, starting from July 17. Similar weather conditions are forecasted for various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and the Islamabad Capital Territory over the next several days. The Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions will also experience intermittent rainfall, which could increase the risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

The NDMA highlighted the potential for heavy falls that may lead to urban flooding in cities such as Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, and Gujranwala. Additionally, the rains are expected to cause a significant increase in water flow in local streams and nullahs across the affected regions. Residents in vulnerable valleys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan are advised to stay vigilant as the rains could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents.

The authority also warned that the heavy rains accompanied by windstorms and lightning might cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. The NDMA urges the public to follow safety guidelines and stay updated on weather conditions as the monsoon season progresses.