Pakistan: Flood warning issued amid continued heavy rainfall /update 1

Event

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority issued a flash flood warning on Thursday, July 13, after monsoon rains battered various areas of the country, killing at least seven people.

The Pakistani Meteorological Office predicts widespread rain throughout the coming week. Monsoon currents are expected to penetrate upper parts of Pakistan from Sunday, July 16, through at least mid-next week. Moderate rainfall is forecast in Sindh and eastern Baluchistan (Zhob, Sibbi, and Kalat divisions) between Friday, July 14, and Sunday, July 16. Heavy rainfall is forecast in Islamabad, upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad divisions), southern Punjab (Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal divisions), and Kashmir through Thursday, July 20.

Flooding may ensue in vulnerable areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions, as well as in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. There is a risk of landslides in hilly areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during this period. At least 53 people have been killed by floods and rain-related incidents since June 26 (as of July 13).

Context

The summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, lasts from June through September. Flooding is a common occurrence during this period, often affecting thousands and resulting in a significant number of fatalities.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.