The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been shrouded in clouds for the third consecutive day as intermittent rains, ranging from heavy to light, continue to lash the region.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted further rainfall, along with the possibility of hail, in various areas, including the twin cities and several other provinces.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Upper Sindh are expected to experience heavy downpours, with the likelihood of snowfall in northern mountainous regions. This weather pattern is anticipated to persist until Tuesday.
Balochistan
In Balochistan, incessant downpour has resulted in significant rainfall, with 70mm recorded in Pasni alone. Tragically, the downpour has claimed the lives of five individuals and caused damage to 15 houses. On Sunday, rainfall continued intermittently in different areas of Balochistan, including Quetta.
During the last 24 hours, Pasni recorded 70mm of rain, Dalbandin 28, Turbat 18, Panjgur 10 Lasbela 9, Jiwani 8, Khuzdar 7, Barkhan 6, Gwadar 5, Quetta 3, Sibbi and Ormara recorded 2mm of rain.
Rivers and canals in Balochistan have overflowed, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. In many areas, the connecting roads have been flooded and vehicles stuck. The Met Department warns that the rains may continue for the next 24 hours, exacerbating the situation.
Sindh
Meanwhile, Karachi experienced relief from scorching temperatures as intermittent rain provided respite from the heat. Clouds under the influence of a western system have entered Karachi, resulting in rain in different areas of the city with heavy thunder.
However, unexpected gusts of wind wreaked havoc in Kotri, causing damage to power poles and disrupting the electricity supply. The strong winds uprooted three electricity poles of 11KV, while several feeders tripped in Kotri site and city.
Weather forecast
Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz has cautioned citizens to remain indoors during thunderstorms and to avoid standing under open skies or near power poles. He said the current system of rains will continue till April 15, adding that there is a possibility of more rains under a new spell after April 17.
"There is more thunder in the current system due to which there may be incidents of lightning," Sarfraz remarked.
In Karachi, light rain is expected to continue intermittently until tonight. Authorities have been urged to ensure proper drainage of water from roads and underpasses, while farmers have been advised to take precautions to protect their crops from adverse weather conditions.
The Sindh Disaster Management Authority has issued alerts for heavy rains in various districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, and Jamshoro.
