Pakistan weather alerts issued for heavy monsoon rains in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Disaster management authorities in Pakistan have issued weather alerts for heavy monsoon rains and thunderstorms across the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab through August 21.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority expects widespread severe weather affecting northern, central, and southern districts. Areas such as Chitral, Swat, Peshawar, and Kohat are included in the forecast, with heavy rainfall specifically anticipated in southern districts like Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan on August 20 and 21. Authorities have warned of potential landslides in mountainous regions and advised residents to avoid traveling, swimming in waterways, or staying near steep slopes.

In Punjab, the sixth monsoon spell is forecasted to bring rainfall to most districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority warned that heavy rains between August 17 and 20 could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. There is also a risk of landslides in Murree and Galiyat. Local administrations have been placed on high alert, and citizens are urged to avoid dilapidated structures and seek shelter during lightning storms.