Warning Alert - Pakistan - Southwest Monsoon - Nationwide Upd. 4

Severe disruptions have occurred in Pakistan during the 2020 southwest monsoon season, as of Sept. 30; monsoon to recede in early October. view alert

Exposure 0 People
Alert Begins 29 Sep 2020 09:07 PM UTC
Alert Expires 06 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
Categories Flood

Incident: Southwest monsoon season
Location(s): Pakistan (map)
Time Frame: Through early October
Impact: Localized flooding and landslides/mudslides; business, transport, and utility disruptions
Summary
Heavy rainfall due to the ongoing 2020 southwest monsoon season has caused significant commercial, transport, and utility disruptions in Pakistan as of Sept. 30. The worst-affected regions include the cities of Dadu, Badin, Hyderabad, Karachi, and Thatta in Sindh Province, as well as portions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces. Officials had declared an emergency in 20 districts of Sindh Province and nine districts of Balochistan province as of Sept. 30. In the coming days, authorities may declare holidays, as well as restrict movement of vehicles and people to facilitate relief measures. Forecast models indicate the Southwest Monsoon has receded across much of the country and should fully depart Pakistan by early Oct. The monsoon period has caused at least 400 deaths and 392 injures as of Sept. 30, including 136 fatalities in Sindh, 116 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 104 in Punjab. At least 214,481 homes across Pakistan have been damaged or destroyed. At least 23,629 people have been displaced due to the flooding.

Hazardous Conditions
This potential for flooding is highest in low-lying communities near watercourses in recognized floodplains. Rivers such as the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, as well as their tributaries, regularly overflow their banks during periods of intense rainfall, which have occurred repeatedly since early Aug. 2020. Flash floods, which often occur with little-to-no warning, can pose a threat to communities downstream of major rivers or dams in the event of infrastructural failure. Urban flooding is possible in areas with poorly maintained or inadequate drainage systems, while storm surges may trigger flooding in coastal areas. Landslides and mudslides are possible in hilly and mountainous areas, including those in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan regions.

Tropical systems, including tropical depressions and cyclones, pose an additional threat during the southwest monsoon period. Tropical systems usually prolong or aggravate disruptions already caused by monsoon rainfall. Localized disruptions could persist well after the monsoon recedes and hazardous events have concluded; it could take days or weeks for floodwaters to subside and for authorities to clear landslide debris. Rural communities and informal settlements often suffer the greatest damage and casualties during such events due to poor infrastructure.

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. In the event of flooding, localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites

Health
The threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted during the monsoon season. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice
Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Confirm all transport reservations prior to travel. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the monsoon season, particularly in areas affected by flooding and or/landslide events.

Avoid low-lying areas near streams, rivers, and other bodies of water, such as reservoirs and coastlines, due to the threat of flooding. Do not drive on flooded roads. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides and mudslides. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellphones to emergencies only during periods of severe weather. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the monsoon months. Keep any necessary medications in a waterproof container.

Resources
Pakistan Meteorological Department



Location(s) affected by this alert

Pakistan

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