Heavy rains have been impacting multiple regions of Pakistan through which flood like conditions are rising in few regions of Pakistan including naran, few areas of peshawar and upper mountain areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the rains will continue until July 10 where heavy rains are expected and NDMA warned citizens to plan their trips accordingly. The PDMA advised people to avoid unnecessary travel along with being near electricity cables and more because it can be fatal. The monsoon rains are important to agriculture and water replenishment, typically providing relief from the heat, but on the other side also create the risk of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Affected Areas due to rain:
Punjab:
The region of punjab including main city lahore received 75mm rain. Sheikhupura received almost 48mm of rain beside Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan also received a huge 40mm. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): Balakot received almost 40mm and Kakul region received 30mm rain. Malam Jabba, Bannu, Lower Dir, Peshawar received 39mm rain. Sindh: Badin received 4mm rain and few regions of Karachi received 30mm rain. Balochistan: Kalat received 17mm rain and Ziarat region received 27mm rain. -Azad Kashmir: Muzaffarabad received 13mm rain while regions of Balakot received 12mm rain.
Impact and Safeguards:
Flash Flooding:
The PMD has warned of flash flooding in low-lying areas: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot and Peshawar. The Punjab government issued warning letters and ordered rescue teams to fast their operations and clear the rain affected areas. The chief minister of Punjab herself visited rain affected areas to ensure that people are safe. Landslides: Risks of landslides in mountainous terrain, such as Murree, Galliyat, and parts of KP and Azad Kashmir may cause delays in road and traffic disruption. The Muree region is also declared dangerous for tourists and the government warned tourists to visit the Muree region. There are also chances of urban flooding in areas like Lahore, Swabi and more.
Casualties reported:
Almost 19 people died in heavy floods due to khyber Pakhtun khuwa, Balochistan, Islamabad and Rawalpindi district. People died to inadequate living conditions in homes and flooding areas. Citizens faced heavy consequences due to the collapse of buildings and more.
NDMA high alert:
The NDMA is highly alerted due to flood conditions in areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. The chief minister of punjab maryam nawaz ordered the rescue team to stay alert and to help people getting affected from flood conditions.
Prime minister shehbaz sharif:
The prime minister also urged them to take immediate actions to prevent flood like conditions. He encouraged the work of rescue operations in Punjab and asked other governments to take examples of Punjab rescue operations. Every year floods destroy hundreds of homes in Pakistan and the government takes frequent actions to ensure the safety of the people of Pakistan. The NDMA is directed to stay on high alert to ensure safety due to flood like conditions.
The flood like conditions in Pakistan are a serious concern for every government as every year in monsoon season flood like conditions increase which results in loss of life and it disturbs the living style of people who are living in mountains near areas and around dams and rivers.
Preventions for flood near areas:
Following are the few preventive measures you can adopt if your area is surrounded by flood:
● Ensure safety of your family and yourself and be sure you are away from water
● Keep yourself away from electricity objects.
● Always wear light clothes and keep your phone charge
● If you are planning to travel, always check the weather forecast for the safety of yours and your loved ones.
● Call the emergency helpline number in case of any emergency and help
● Make sure you have a helpline number saved in your device or written on any paper.
These are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of your family.
Conclusion:
The government of Punjab along with the government of Pakistan is actively working to ensure safety and to help people who are stuck in flood areas. The chief minister of Pakistan emphasized all recuse workers to stay active 24/7 to ensure safety of people. Always keep phone number of helpline numbers save in your phone.
