RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - More rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other upper parts of the country on September 4 and 5, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Friday.
According to the Met Office, monsoon currents were continuing to enter the upper regions, while a westerly wave was also affecting the area and was expected to strengthen on September 4 and 5.
Rain, including isolated heavy to very heavy showers, has been forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Kasur during the period.
The PMD said moist currents were expected to intensify from the early hours of Friday, while a westerly system was influencing the northern and western parts of the country.
Rain and thunderstorms are also likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, the Potohar region, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in these areas, while hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in southern parts of the country.
The Met Office warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore and Sialkot.
It also cautioned that intense rainfall could cause flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Potohar region. Landslides were also possible in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
Following the forecast, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Salman Ghani directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures.
He said, in line with special directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all institutions should complete preparations to deal with heavy rainfall and the potential threat of urban flooding.
The commissioner directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, district administrations, municipal corporations, the Health Department, police and traffic police to remain active in the field and maintain coordination.
He ordered authorities to ensure proper drainage in low-lying areas during rainfall and keep dewatering equipment, pumps, machinery and other essential resources operational.
Officials were also directed to respond immediately to any water accumulation during rainfall.