02 May 2023 | 05:17 AM UTC
Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least May 5 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Pakistan through at least May 5. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least May 5. As of May 2, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of a system bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, dust storms, and isolated hailstorms across the country over the coming days.
Showers, dust storms, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours and hail storms, are expected over parts of Balochistan, southern Punjab, and Sindh provinces through May 3. Further rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours and hail storms, are forecast over Azad Jammu, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, and Islamabad Capital Territory through May 5.
The department has warned that strong winds, dust storms, and hailstorms could cause damage to infrastructure and standing crops across parts of the country. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories and parts of northern and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province through May 4 and parts of Balochistan and western Punjab provinces through May 2. Landslides are possible in elevated areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Punjab through May 5. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Authorities in Balochistan Province reported four fatalities and four injured in the city of Khuzdar. Several houses have been damaged or destroyed in Chaghi, Kech, and Panjgur districts. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, heavy rainfall since late March resulted in 135 damaged houses with at least five houses destroyed, five fatalities, and nine others injured.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
