A new spell of monsoon rains is underway in various regions of the country, with the Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall over the next four days in several districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Balochistan.

From August 19 to 22, cities in Upper Punjab including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Gujranwala are expected to experience severe rainfall.

Low-lying areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are likely to be inundated, raising concerns about urban flooding.

Additionally, landslides are a potential threat in the hilly regions of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In Balochistan, flooding in streams is anticipated in the districts of Qalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Turbat.

The Meteorological Department has urged the public and relevant authorities to stay alert, advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution near seasonal streams.

High flood alert issued for river Indus at Taunsa

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high flood alert for the River Indus at Taunsa. The flow of water at this location has surpassed 500,000 cusecs, with further increases expected.

Emergency measures have been directed to the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur Division, and the local administration of Taunsa. The PDMA has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents living in the riverbed area.

Irfan Ali Khatia has called for announcements to be made in mosques to inform citizens, and has emphasized the need for urgent rescue operations. Basic facilities must be ensured at flood relief camps to assist affected individuals.