11 Jul 2022 | 06:22 AM UTC
Pakistan: Heavy rains, flooding occurring nationwide as of July 11
Heavy rains, flooding occurring across Pakistan as of July 11. Transport, business, and utility disruptions likely.
Event
Severe weather is occurring across Pakistan, resulting in flooding in parts of the country, as of July 11. Reports indicate that the most severe conditions are affecting Karachi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the inclement weather, which began late July 10, may prompt significant flooding in other areas, including Gwadar, Islamabad, Mardan, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi. Strong winds and thundershowers are also affecting Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, central and southern Balochistan, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and southern Sindh provinces or regions. Officials said that the severe weather may persist through July 18; authorities will likely update and possibly expand the weather alerts over the coming days.
Some dams have burst in Balochistan Province due to the rainfall. The dam failures and weather conditions have reportedly killed at least 135 people, injured hundreds of others, and damaged properties.
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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain. Power outages are affecting parts of Karachi, and similar disruptions could occur throughout areas experiencing severe weather in Pakistan.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows have affected ground transport in parts of Karachi; similar conditions may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas in other parts of Pakistan. 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. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports across Pakistan. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
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.
