Cloudburst report in Chakwal declared false: PMD issues clarification

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has dismissed recent reports of a cloudburst in Chakwal, labelling them as baseless, misleading, and unverified.

The department clarified that no cloudburst-like rainfall occurred in any part of Chakwal district. The widely circulated claim of 423 mm of rainfall was categorically denied.

According to official data, the highest recorded rainfall in Chakwal was 142.2 mm, with 100 mm in Talagang and only 11 mm in Lawa. The PMD confirmed that the rainfall was part of a regular monsoon system, and not an isolated or extreme weather event consistent with a cloudburst.

Using Doppler radar imagery and ground-based rain gauges, the department found no evidence to support the cloudburst claim. Officials warned that spreading false information about extreme weather events can unnecessarily create panic and fear among the public.

The PMD urged media organisations to verify reports through official channels before publishing or airing such sensitive news.

Reporter: Rozina Ali