Islamabad : As severe rainstorms continue to lash Pakistan, especially in parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and other relevant departments to be prepared for continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms till April 29 across the country, Geo news reported.
After reviewing the weather forecast, the NDMA has instructed relevant departments to maintain a state of vigilance and readiness to address any potential emergent circumstances.
According to Geo News, "It is imperative for the departments to ensure the pre-placement of machinery and the availability of relevant staff in vulnerable areas," it said in a press release.
"Local departments are urged to sensitise residents living along riverbanks and associated nullahs about the expected increase in water flows, and to facilitate the timely evacuation of at-risk populations from low-lying and flood-prone areas as per evacuation plans. Additionally, citizens are advised to take precautionary measures, such as staying away from electric poles and weak infrastructure, and refrain from driving or walking in waterways," it added.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and various weather models have forecasted a succession of moderate to intense weather systems in Pakistan spanning from April 17 to 29, as per Geo News.
These anticipated weather patterns are expected to usher in heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, posing notable risks across multiple regions of the country.
The NDMA has urged farmers, cattle owners, tourists, and travellers to exercise caution during this timeframe, advising them to monitor weather and road conditions before embarking on any journeys and to take necessary precautions to safeguard crops, livestock, and personal well-being.
For further updates and information, citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to local weather forecasts and advisories, it added.
According to the forecast, a weather system is set to enter Pakistan on April 17, heralding a period of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to persist until April 22.
The system's impact is projected to affect Balochistan from April 17 to April 19, followed by repercussions in Punjab and Sindh from April 18 to April 19.
Upper Punjab will experience the effects from April 18 to April 21, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be affected from April 17 to 22.
Following this, a weaker weather system is expected to enter Pakistan on April 23, bringing low rainfall and thunderstorms to certain parts of the country until April 24.
While Balochistan and upper Punjab will experience slight impacts from April 23 to 24, KP, GB, and AJK will also be affected. However, Sindh is not expected to be impacted during this period.
Subsequently, a strong weather system is forecast to enter Pakistan on April 25th, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms with occasional gaps until April 29.
This system will intermittently affect Balochistan from April 25 to April 29. Sindh will experience impacts on April 25, 26, and 28, while South Punjab will be affected from April 27 to April 28.
Upper Punjab is anticipated to bear the brunt of the weather conditions from April 26 to April 29, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) experiencing effects from April 25 to April 29, potentially impacting Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Pok from April 25 to April 29.
The expected rainfall has the potential to trigger flash floods in local nullahs in vulnerable areas, including Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Quetta, Pishin, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, and Turbat.
Furthermore, flooding may also occur in low-lying areas during the forecast period, particularly in southern western Balochistan.