Gilgit:
At least nine people have lost their lives as heavy rain continues to loosen floods and landslides over Gilgit-Baltista (GB), officials on Friday confirmed with dozens more wounded and the search still ongoing for those who feared shortcomings.
According to GB government spokesman Faizullah Pharaq, the dead two women and two children include. “The number of people swept away with flooding water could be about 12 to 14,” he said in a statement, adding that efforts were still underway to track the missing.
Faraq added that more than a dozen people had inflicted injuries in the unfolded disaster, while over 300 tourists stranded in different parts of the region had so far been rescued.
Faraq, who described the extent of destruction, said, “A total of more than 500 houses have been destroyed due to the floods, and about 12 kilometers of roads have also been destroyed”.
He also detailed that 27 bridges and 22 vehicles had also been washed away, in addition to “countless shops, cattle sheds and tree trunks”.
He recognized the critical role that the Pakistani Army and Gilgit-Baltistan have played in both rescue and search efforts performed in extremely challenging conditions due to the persistent weather and terrain disorders.
With several areas cut off, the authorities are now running to restore basic utilities. “There is also an effort to supply water and electricity to thousands of people now deprived of these facilities as a result of damage to the water supply and the electricity grid,” Faraq said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted intense monsoon activity in the coming week and warns of heavy rain in several regions in the country from July 27 to July 31.
According to Met Office, Monsun Streams wins strength, with widespread rainfall expected during the five-day spell form.
The department has specifically warned that between July 27 and July 30, flooding of flash is probably in streams and seasonal rivers (Nullahs), especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GB and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where rain accompanied by strong wind is expected.
From July 28 to July 31, several districts in Punjab also probably receive rainfall with thunder and lightning, while southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan have also been placed under a rain counseling.
The MET Department has warned of urban floods in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot, and advised both travelers and tourists to show caution in the light of potential landslides in vulnerable regions.
It also warned that areas with weak infrastructure may face structural damage and disruption due to the coming weather conditions.
Punjab Monsoon
Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday released a fresh monsoon arm that predicted the fifth magic form for monsoon rains over most parts of the province from July 28 to July 31.
According to PDMA spokesman, widespread rainfall is expected during this period in the districts Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Hafizabad.
Other districts that are likely to experience rain include Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad and Okara.
PDMA also predicted precipitation in Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur from July 29 to 31.
Director -General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners anywhere in Punjab to remain on high alarm considering the expected weather situation.
He warned that there is a risk of flooding of cities in major urban centers, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Faisalabad.
PDMA has directed departments, including civil defense, rescue 1122 and other allied agencies, to ensure that preventive events are fully in place. “In accordance with the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister, all relevant departments have been issued for a warning,” said DG Irfan Ali Kathia.
He also ordered that emergency control rooms remain fully manned and active, while Rescue 1122’s disaster am team is held on high alarm.
In a warning to the public, PDMA urged citizens to follow precautions and avoid unnecessary journeys, especially in vulnerable areas.
“There is an increased risk of landslide in hilly regions such as Murree and Galiyat, while fragile and mud -structured buildings suffer damage due to heavy rain,” PDMA said.
“Passengers and tourists are advised to remain cautious due to the expected weather and avoid non-essential journeys,” the spokesman added.
In case of flooding of cities or flash the public is advised to seek shelter in safe places and not try to drive through liquid water. In all emergency situations, citizens can contact the PDMA aid line at 1129, the spokesman noted.
