The heat has been so relentless for many days that it has become difficult to get through both the day and the night. The madness of June was such that we kept sweating, hoping for rain, and the days just passed by. We repeatedly checked with the meteorological department, but each time we got the same response: the rains will come on this date or that date. Finally, we pinned our hopes on the monsoon. By God’s grace, July has begun, and this is the first month of the official monsoon season.
As soon as the month began, I sought out the meteorological department to understand why the forecasts were proving to be incorrect. To get an answer, I went to the Director of Meteorology, Zaheer Ahmed Babar, who, in an exclusive conversation with 24 News, said not to worry as better rains are coming and the forecasts will prove correct.
Zaheer Ahmed Babar said that from July 4 to July 7, heavy rains are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Pothohar region, and various other areas of the country. Although the monsoon lasts from July to September, according to the Director of Meteorology, very good rains are expected in July. To those eagerly awaiting continuous rains, I would say, Stay attached to the tree with hope for spring.
Well, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir will all experience heavy rains, but before the heat-stricken public makes plans for outings, they should consider the severity of the weather. The NDMA has further warned that from July 2, 2024, medium to heavy rains are expected in all major rivers, especially in the upper areas of the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers. An alert has also been issued regarding lightning strikes during these rains, with expected lightning from July 5 to 7 in various cities of southern and central Punjab and Islamabad.
The expected rains may cause a flood situation in the Sutlej River, with water levels reaching approximately 50,000 cusecs by July 5 and potentially rising to about 120,000 cusecs by July 10, 2024, which would be a high-level flood. There is also a risk of landslides in mountainous areas, so it is advised to be cautious and avoid heading to various tourist spots. Keep a close watch on flood situations, weather reports, and updates.
The NDMA has issued instructions to evacuate immediately upon orders from local authorities, to protect oneself from floodwaters, as floodwaters can cause various diseases due to germs and electric shocks due to broken power lines. Residents of flood-prone areas should prepare evacuation plans with their families, identify safe locations, and ensure the preparation of an emergency kit with necessary items.
Travelers should avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains and potential flood situations and follow the instructions of the local administration. The NDMA has introduced the Pak NDMA7 Disaster Alert application available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store to provide timely alerts, advisories, specific guidelines related to dangers, public awareness messages, and other necessary information.
The NDMA and the meteorological department have made the forecasts, now it is the responsibility of the provincial administrations to take measures to avoid potential risks and damages. Remember us in your prayers.
