Heavy rains may cause flash flooding

LAHORE

Scattered rain hit the provincial capital here Monday inundating several low-lying areas while Met office predicted more monsoon rains during next three days at a number of places in the country, including the City.

Met officials in a warning said good monsoon currents are likely to penetrate in upper and central parts of the country during the next 48 hours. They said due to good monsoon incursion, rain/thunderstorm with isolated heavy falls is expected at a number of places in Islamabad, Punjab, Fata, KP and Kashmir from Tuesday to Thursday. They predicted rain/thunderstorm at isolated places of Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh and eastern parts of Balochistan (Zhob, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat divisions) during the period.

They warned that expected heavy downpour may cause flash flooding and landslides in the vulnerable areas of Punjab, KP, GB and Kashmir.

Rain coupled with glacier melt water may result in glacial lake outburst flood in vulnerable areas of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, they added and asked the authorities concerned and communities to remain vigilant during the period, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. On the other hand, Monday’s early morning rain changed several city low-lying areas in mini ponds. Residents of various localities staged a protest demonstration on Monday noon after rainwater entered into their homes. Residents of other areas surrounding Lahore Airport also witnessed more rain than the city area.

The officials said 29mm rain was recorded at airport while 2mm rain was recorded in the city areas.

In Lahore, rain brought down the mercury and maximum temperature was recorded as 33°C. Rain was also recorded at various cities, including Jhelum (17mm), Murree (12mm), Sialkot (City 10mm, AP 02mm).