Heavy rains are expected across the country over the coming few days as first snowfall of the winter season has started in upper areas of the country, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab have predicted that rainfall is expected in various regions and potential landslides in hilly areas. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA has warned that intermittent rains are expected in different areas of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, rains will affect parts of Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, and Azad Kashmir. Key areas include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Sargodha, and Khushab. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, showers are forecast in Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, and Mansehra, as well as Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Hazara, Peshawar, Swabi, and Waziristan.
Sindh is also likely to see rainfall in Karachi, Jamshoro, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, and Umerkot. Meanwhile, the upper reaches of major rivers, including Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej, are expected to receive rain. The NDMA has cautioned that downpours in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir could trigger landslides in mountainous areas. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to these regions.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, PDMA DG Punjab Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that westerly winds are active and will bring rain across Punjab. He noted that light showers are likely in several areas, while heavier downpours are expected in the northern and northwestern regions tomorrow. “There are chances of more than 60mm of rain on October 6 and 7,” he said, adding that the spell would bring a welcome change in weather.
The PDMA DG assured that despite rising water flows, there is currently no risk of flooding. At present, 20,000 cusecs are flowing into the Chenab River, and the water level at Head Marala stands at 23,000 cusecs.
“In the next 48 hours, water at Head Marala may exceed 100,000 cusecs,” Kathia said. “However, there is no fear of a flood situation due to this increase.”