Istafa Ali
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman has asked the people and all relevant officials, including non-government groups (NGOs), to stay alert because heavy rains and thundershowers are due to hit the country in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“Rain is expected in Pakistan in the next 24 to 48 hours. Cities in Punjab, such as Lahore, Narowal, and Sialkot, will get the most rain. “Alerts about heavy to moderate rain have also been sent to other provinces,” the climate minister wrote on her official Twitter account.
The estimated number of people that may be impacted by the rains in the next 48 hours in Pakistan according to @ndmapk #climatechange https://t.co/2cBz36XEmV pic.twitter.com/VIzfV2wGYc
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) July 9, 2023
She said that flood warnings had been sent out for cities and towns where there was a chance of collapse. “Coordinated preparation and proactive responses save lives, so all response teams in the affected areas, both public and NGO, need to stay alert and ready,” she said.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) says that there could be severe thunderstorms and heavy rain in north and northeastern Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal. High or very high river flows in Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and its associated Nullahs (Bhimber, Aik, Deg, Palkhu, and Basanter) are also expected.
“These conditions could cause flooding in cities and landslides in hilly areas,” said the NDMA.
#NEOC Projections(Next 48 hr):
1.Possibility of severe thunderstorms /hvy rainfall in North /Northeastern Punjab (incld Lahore, Sialkot & Narowal).w/a high-very high river flows in Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej & its associated Nullahs (Bhimber, Aik, Deg, Palkhu & Basanter) are expected. pic.twitter.com/n39R1h1nUM— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 8, 2023
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are also expected in Karachi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Badin, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
“Thunderstorms & rainfall expected in Northeastern Balochistan (Sibbi, Zhob, Kohlu, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Loralai, Dera Bugti & Lasbela) and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Bannu, DI Khan, Malam Jabba, Balakot,” it added.
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The NDMA has told the city and district administrations to make traffic plans for places in urban hubs that are likely to flood, so that flooded underpasses can be cleaned up quickly.
The district government has been told to make sure that stock-taking, scouting, and public education are done in sensitive areas, especially Marala Headworks on the River Chenab and Jassar on the River Ravi, where flooding is possible until July 20.
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“Rescue Services and leading NGOs will make sure that people are available in the areas listed,” the authority said, adding that all parties involved need to keep working together to make sure a quick and smooth reaction.
