ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Sunday of heavy monsoon rains across the country from August 4 to 7, urging citizens and tourists to exercise caution.
According to the department, downpours are expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, upper Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) during the period.
The heaviest rainfall is forecast for August 6 and 7 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Murree and the Galiyat region. Authorities cautioned that tourists should remain vigilant as there is a risk of landslides in Murree, the Galiyat and Azad Kashmir.
Read: Flash floods killed 299 across Pakistan since June 26
The department also predicted rain and windstorms in parts of north-eastern Balochistan on August 6, warning that low-lying areas could face flooding. Citizens were advised to take necessary precautions.
“All relevant institutions have been directed to remain on alert and take advance measures,” the meteorological office said.
It further advised tourists to avoid travelling during heavy rains and to stay updated on the weather situation.
Read More: New monsoon spell expected in Punjab from August 5
Earlier, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said at least 299 people, including 140 children, have lost their lives, and 715 others—among them 239 children—have been injured in flash floods and torrential rains that have swept through vulnerable areas of the country since June 26.
A total of 299 people were killed, including 140 children, 102 men, and 57 women, according to the data. Among the 715 injured, 239 were children, 204 were women and 272 were men sustained injuries.
Since June 26, flash floods and torrential rains have caused widespread destruction, damaging a total of 1,676 houses across the affected areas.
Of these, 562 homes were destroyed, while 1,114 sustained partial damage. The severe weather also led to the loss of 428 livestock, compounding the impact on local communities.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has carried out 223 extensive rescue operations, successfully evacuating 2,880 individuals from flood-hit regions.
