NDMA cautions depts, public as thunderstorm expected in Punjab, Sindh

ISLAMABAD: The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Tuesday anticipated more rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds in most parts of Sindh and Punjab on Wednesday (today).

"A deep depression is currently located near Runn of Kach, Gujarat, India. The system is approaching south east Pakistan including most parts of Sindh," the NDMA said in a news release.

Under the influence of this system, Nagarparkar, Tharparkur, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Dadu, Sanghar, Tando Allah Yar, Tandu Muhammad Khan, Umerkot and Matiari are expected to receive a heavy rainfall over the next 36-48 hours.

Thunderstorms are likely by afternoon, leading to heavy rains, as a monsoon system is active over most parts of the Punjab province and it will lead to rainfall with isolated heavy falls in the next 36-48 hours.

The areas likely to be impacted include the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Potohar region, northeastern Punjab, central and southern Punjab, Gujranwala, Lahore and Sahiwal Division, & some districts like Attock, Murree, Galliyat, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Khanpur, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Mandi Bahauddin are likely to receive rainfall with intermittent heavy falls in isolated places.

"Heavy downpou6r may lead to urban flooding in urban centers. Rainfall will increase flows in local nullahs and rivers.

Heavy downpour, windstorm and lightning may affect daily routines, weak structures like roof/wall collapse of Kacha houses, electric poles, bill boards, vehicles and solar panels etc during the period," it said.

The NDMA urged all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and heavy rains.

It issued instructions to all relevant departments to alert their emergency response teams and mobilize resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations. The public was advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from the local authorities.