Powerful monsoon system to enter Pakistan tonight, PDMA issues alert for Punjab, Sindh

A powerful monsoon system is expected to enter Pakistan today, with heavy rains forecasted across Sindh from August 26 to 29, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday. 

According to the report, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings for widespread and intense rainfall from August 25 to 28, posing a significant flood risk to low-lying areas in Sindh and Balochistan. 

The monsoon winds, originating from Bengal, are anticipated to bring heavy showers to the southern regions of Pakistan.

In response, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a monsoon alert for Punjab, warning of potential flooding in cities including Murree, Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Multan. The heavy rains may lead to flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and other southern Punjab divisions.

In Karachi, an emergency has been declared, with all municipal staff leaves cancelled. Mayor Murtaza Wahab has directed municipal services to remain on high alert. Heavy rains are also predicted in other areas of Sindh, including Thatta, Badin, Umarkot, and Mirpurkhas.

From August 26 to 29, severe rainfall is expected across the southern regions, with Balochistan forecast to experience downpours in Kalat, Lasbela, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Zhob, and Quetta. Flood warnings have been issued for low-lying areas, with a risk of flash floods in the mountainous regions of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meanwhile, in Ahmad Pur Sial, river erosion has devastated the area, completely wiping out two villages, including Basti Bahlol Wali. The fast-moving erosion has swallowed around 60 homes and thousands of acres of agricultural land. The river's advance has also disrupted the electricity supply by toppling power poles.

Local residents, who feel abandoned by the authorities, are urgently calling for the construction of a protective embankment to prevent further damage.

Reporter: Tanveer Hussain