The Meteorological Department has forecast more rains across Pakistan starting tonight and continuing until September 19, raising fears of further flooding and landslides.
Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also warned of potential glacier outbursts in the northern districts as the country continues to grapple with devastating monsoon losses.
Fresh weather forecasts across provinces
According to the Meteorological Department, humid winds from the Arabian Sea will enter the upper parts of the country tonight, bringing intermittent rains to several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, and Kohat, between September 16 and 19.
In Kashmir, heavy rainfall is expected in Rawalakot, Hattian Bala, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, and surrounding areas from September 15 to 19.
Gilgit-Baltistan will likely experience rains in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar.
In Islamabad and Punjab, thunderstorms and heavy rains may occur in central districts such as Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur, and Sheikhupura between September 16 and 19.
Meanwhile, Sindh will remain largely hot and dry, with partly cloudy weather in coastal districts. Balochistan is expected to stay partly cloudy and humid.
PDMA’s glacier eruption warning
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a glacier eruption alert for Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan Upper.
District administrations have been directed to:
- Closely monitor sensitive areas
- Ensure timely warnings and evacuation drills
- Keep rescue services and emergency equipment on high alert
The public has been advised to avoid movement near rivers and canals and refrain from taking vehicles into fast-flowing water. Tourists visiting the northern areas have also been urged to stay alert and follow precautionary measures.
The PDMA confirmed that evacuation sites have been set up in high-risk areas and a public awareness campaign is underway. Its Emergency Operation Center is fully functional, and citizens can dial 1700 in case of any emergency.
River and barrage water levels in Sindh
The Sindh Information Department released the latest figures on river and barrage flows:
- Guddu Barrage water level decreases: Inflow at 624,456 cusecs, outflow at 594,936 cusecs
- Sukkur Barrage flow rises: Inflow at 560,890 cusecs, outflow at 508,830 cusecs
- Kotri Barrage: Inflow at 284,325 cusecs, outflow at 273,170 cusecs
- Panjnad Barrage: Inflow at 287,255 cusecs, outflow at 285,505 cusecs
Devastation from monsoon rains and floods
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported that since June 26, floods and rains have claimed 889 lives across Pakistan.
The province-wise breakdown of fatalities is as follows:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 504 deaths (highest toll)
- Punjab: 287 deaths
- Sindh: 80 deaths
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 41 deaths
- Azad Kashmir: 38 deaths
- Balochistan: 30 deaths
- Islamabad: 9 deaths
Tragically, four children recently drowned in Kohlu district of Balochistan.
Damage to infrastructure and livelihoods
Nationwide, at least 1,064 people have been injured, while 8,441 houses have been damaged, including 2,216 completely destroyed and 6,265 partially damaged.
Floods also washed away 249 bridges and 674 kilometers of roads, while more than 6,050 livestock were lost—dealing a severe blow to rural communities.
