Met office predicts more downpour in 24 hours

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ISLAMABAD: As death toll from torrential rains during past five days rose to 42 on Monday, Met office predicted more downpour in next 24 hours.

 “A westerly wave is affecting upper parts of the country and likely to persist till next 24 hours,” Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.

More rain-thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected at scattered places in Kashmir, Islamabad, upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Gujranwala divisions), upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan divisions), Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA while at isolated places in Kohat, Lahore, Sargodha and Makran divisions.

Dry weather is expected in elsewhere in the country. Apart from the 42 deaths, 70 injuries were reported and 75 houses damaged, said a statement by the National Disaster Management Authority.

The rain began late Thursday across the country, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa worst hit.

Poorly-built homes, particularly in rural areas, are most susceptible to collapse during heavy spring rains.

In last 24 hours, rain-thundershower accompanied by strong gusty winds occurred at widespread places in Punjab, Islamabad, KP, Kashmir, while at isolated places in Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan.