Pakistan faces a renewed flood threat as waters from recent devastating rains in the north move southward, raising concerns for Sindh province. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a four-day forecast (Sept 15-19) of heavy rain and thunderstorms across the upper regions, warning of potential flash floods and landslides. Authorities are on high alert, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the PDMA has issued warnings for the 11th monsoon spell.
The PMD predicts heavy rainfall in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab, with isolated heavy falls expected in several areas. Sindh and most of Balochistan are expected to remain largely dry. The PMD warned of potential damage to infrastructure from windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning.
Sindh is bracing for increased inflows into the Guddu and Sukkur barrages as floodwaters move downstream from Punjab. Guddu Barrage is currently experiencing high flows, with officials anticipating further increases in the coming days. The Sindh Irrigation Department is monitoring vulnerable areas and undertaking reinforcement work, while over 163,000 people have already been evacuated from riverine areas. The Motorway Police have closed sections of the M-5 motorway due to floodwater near Jalalpur Pirwala, diverting traffic to alternative routes.
The floods have also impacted Pakistan’s cotton production. For the first time, all major cotton zones are affected by simultaneous rains and floods, raising concerns about economic consequences. While initial assessments suggest limited damage outside of Bahawalnagar district, the coming week is critical as the flood surge enters Sindh. A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the situation, but significant rehabilitation efforts are seen as challenging.
Catastrophic flooding continues in south Punjab, with broken dykes along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers submerging hundreds of villages and displacing millions. Evacuation and relief efforts are underway, but the situation remains critical, particularly in areas like Khanewal, Multan, and Muzaffargarh. The flood situation is expected to ease in the next two days, except for the Chenab River.
Tragically, four children, including three siblings, drowned in a rainwater-filled pit in Kohlu district, highlighting the dangers posed by the flooding. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and safety measures.
