The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday predicted dust and windstorms, rain and thunderstorms across most parts of the country this week from June 11–13, and warned the relevant authorities to remain “vigilant”.
A press release issued by the PMD said a western disturbance is likely to approach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist until June 13. It added that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate the upper and central parts of the country from June 11.
Scattered dust and windstorms, and rain and thunderstorms — along with isolated heavy falls and hail — are expected in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Kot Addu from June 11–13, with occasional gaps.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, similar conditions are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram.
Scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms, with some hail, are also expected in Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur; and in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
Dust and windstorms, and rain and thunderstorms, are expected in the northeastern parts of Balochistan, specifically Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti. Dust and windstorms are also expected in upper Sindh’s Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad.
The PMD warned that strong winds, hail and lightning may damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also warned of urban flooding caused by heavy rains in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.
Further, it said landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from June 11–13.
The statement advised farmers to manage their crops in line with prevailing weather conditions and urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution, advising them to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
“All concerned authorities are advised to remain ‘vigilant’ and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period,” it added.
In an advisory, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab requested all district administrations and line departments to ensure sufficient round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) for effective coordination, and to coordinate with the PDMA and other relevant departments to ensure a unified and prompt response.
Authorities have also been directed to deploy additional staff and resources to high-risk areas, and to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of safety information and evacuation plans via electronic and social media.
The PDMA also requested situation reports (SitReps) to regularly cover major developments, along with data collection and reporting for post-flood analysis and improvements.
The Motorway Police have been directed to ensure regular traffic advisories, timely updates on road conditions, and guidance on safe travel. Rescue 1122 has been directed to remain alert and pre-position search and rescue teams and necessary equipment.
