The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued alert ahead of the predicted new monsoon spell in different parts of the country, starting from Sunday. The NDMAís National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) urged citizens to take precautionary measures as heavy rains, thunderstorms, and potential flash floods are expected to affect various parts of the country from July 6 to 10 in the fresh monsoon spell. 

Impact-based weather alerts from NEOC warned that predicted monsoon activity combined with a strong westerly wave may affect multiple regions of the country from July 6 to 10, while northern areas face an elevated flash flood risk from July 7 to 12.  Isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and in Punjab, including  Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara and adjoining areas from July 6 to 10. 

Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected across northern and central Punjab, while southern Punjab districts including Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan may receive low to moderate rainfall. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain and thunderstorms are anticipated in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu, and Kohat. 

Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, especially during evening and night hours, with flash flood risk in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamir, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh. These conditions may lead to flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, landslides, road blockages, and power/communication disruptions. 

In Sindh, isolated to moderate rainfall is expected in Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, and Mithi, with heavy rainfall likely in Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu. These may result in urban flooding, traffic congestion, and infrastructure damage. 

Balochistan is expected to receive scattered to heavy rainfall in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela, and Naseerabad. Waterlogging, traffic disruption, and damage to weak structures due to strong winds and lightning are possible. 

The NDMA advised the public to take precautionary measures including avoiding unnecessary travel, staying indoors during intense weather, and securing household items and vehicles.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)