The ongoing monsoon spell is expected to remain active in the country’s upper regions on Saturday, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting rain, thunderstorms and heavy showers in several areas. According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the rainy spell is likely to continue in upper parts of the country until September 5, while monsoon activity is expected to weaken from September 6. Upper Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the upper catchment areas of rivers may receive heavy to very heavy r ainfall at scattered locations, the forecast said.

The PMD warned of possible water accumulation and urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal following heavy downpours. Rising water levels and flooding are also possible in streams and nullahs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those connected with the Kabul River. In Punjab, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Attock, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Jhelum, Khushab, Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Sialkot.

Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Abbottabad, Bajaur, Buner, Charsadda, Mansehra, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat and Dir, may also receive rainfall. Rain is also expected at isolated places in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. The Flood Forecasting Division said water flows in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could witness a slight increase over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Tarbela Dam is currently at its maximum conservation level, while Mangla Dam is holding around 78% of its storage capacity, according to the division. Low-level flooding has been reported at some locations along the Indus River, while flows in the other major rivers remain within normal levels. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, remain cautious in low-lying areas and stay away from rivers, streams and nullahs.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)