Pakistan faces heavy monsoon rains and threat of Urban Flooding

Pakistan is preparing for a significant monsoon spell starting June 25, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting heavy rainfall across multiple regions. The threat of urban flooding looms large, particularly in low-lying areas of major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Hyderabad, and Karachi. The intense rains, expected to continue through July 1, are driven by moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, coupled with a strong westerly wave intensifying weather patterns.

The PMD has highlighted risks beyond urban flooding, including flash floods in hilly regions like Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, and parts of Kashmir. Landslides are a concern in mountainous areas, while heavy downpours and windstorms may damage weak structures such as mud houses, electric poles, and solar panels. Farmers have been advised to adjust crop activities, and travelers are urged to exercise caution, especially in flood-prone zones.

Recent posts on X reflect public concern, with warnings about potential disruptions in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Authorities are emphasizing preparedness, urging residents to secure loose structures and avoid travel to vulnerable areas. In Sindh, districts like Sukkur, Larkana, and Karachi are expected to see rainfall with thunderstorms from June 25 to 28, offering relief from the ongoing heatwave but raising concerns about waterlogging in urban centers.

The PMD’s advisory underscores the need for vigilance, as the combination of heavy rainfall and saturated soils could exacerbate flooding risks. Emergency services are on high alert, and residents are encouraged to stay updated through local authorities to mitigate the impact of this severe weather event.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 26th, 2025

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