ISLAMABAD
Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman on Friday warned citizens of more rains — starting today (Saturday) — after the federal cabinet declared a “monsoon emergency”.
In a tweet on Friday, she said: “According to the Pakistan Met Department, the country will experience more rains in the coming week. Islamabad, Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh will receive heavy rainfall from August 6 till 9.
“Furthermore, these areas including Gilgit Baltistan will also experience strong winds and thundershowers from August 10 to 13. All federal and provincial agencies have been advised to stay on alert and take necessary precautions. In the meantime, all district commissioners and provincial administrations should be mobilised to prevent loss of lives.”
She said the water level in Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi rivers might rise with a risk of flash flooding in local rivers and nullahs in majority of the cities and towns in these provinces.
Travellers and tourists should travel in consideration of the weather conditions and be more careful while travelling, especially in the northern areas and Kashmir as rains may trigger landslides in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Chilas, Diamer, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer and Skardu, she said.
The minister said the effects of climate change continued to exacerbate in the country as “we have experienced lengthy heat waves, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and forest fires”.
