Heavy Monsoon Rains Begin Today, Flood Fears Across Provinces
RAWALPINDI/LAHORE – A fresh wave of monsoon rains is rolling in from today, and officials are warning that it could bring more than just relief from the heat. Torrential downpours are expected across the country over the next few days, raising alarms of flash floods, urban flooding, and even landslides in the northern belt.
The Met Office said the spell will run through August 21, with Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in line for the heaviest showers. Cities like Swat, Abbottabad, and Peshawar could see repeated thunderstorms, while mountain slopes in Galiyat and northern valleys remain at risk of slips and blockages.
Punjab is also bracing itself. From Lahore and Rawalpindi to Faisalabad and Gujranwala, heavy rainfall is forecast between August 17 and 19. In the south, including Multan and DG Khan, the weather system is likely to spill over later in the week.
Sindh won’t be spared either. Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur are among the cities listed for steady rain from August 17–22. In Balochistan, districts such as Gwadar, Khuzdar, and Panjgur have been told to expect showers and possible flooding in low-lying areas.
PDMA red alert in Punjab
Punjab’s disaster authority has already sounded a red alert. With rivers swelling and reservoirs filling up, officials are telling residents near riverbanks to move to safer ground.
The Indus River is flowing at medium levels at Kalabagh and Chashma, while Tarbela Dam is now 98% full. Mangla is close behind at 68%. Sutlej River is surging near Ganda Singh Wala, made worse by India releasing an additional 50,000 cusecs of water.
Risk of flooding, road closures
The Met Department has warned that the heavy showers could trigger flash floods in streams and nullahs in KP, Punjab and Kashmir through August 19. Hill torrents in DG Khan and eastern Balochistan face a similar risk between August 18–21.
Urban centres — Karachi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Islamabad — are also on the list for waterlogging and urban flooding. Landslides and mudslides could cut off roads in parts of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan, making travel risky.
Officials have asked people to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary movement, and follow instructions from local authorities if evacuations are ordered.
Published in Daily Pak, August 17th, 2025