Pakistan: Heavy rainfall forecast in northern and eastern regions through at least July 14

Event

Heavy rainfall is forecast in portions of northern and eastern Pakistan through at least July 14. The affected areas include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir autonomous territories. As of July 12, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong wind warnings for the affected area through July 14. Authorities have also warned of high water levels in the Chenab river which could lead to flooding in the surrounding areas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

As of July 12, several flights from Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore were delayed due to heavy rainfall.

Power outages have been reported in Karachi, Sindh Province and Lahore, Punjab Province. Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are likely during the outages. Traffic disruptions are possible due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Blackouts could also cause certain essential facilities, such as ATMs and fueling stations, to stop functioning temporarily. Potable water supply interruptions may occur in locations dependent on electronic water filtration or pump systems.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause additional delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Arabian Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Pakistan Meteorological Department
K-Electric website
K-Electric Twitter