A stunning view of lightning during a thunderstorm before heavy rain late at night in Rawalpindi on 15 June 2023. – Online
With summer in the air and rain forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), it is better not to use water at home during a thunderstorm.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people are better off staying away from water in their homes and avoiding showering, washing in the tub, or even washing dishes.
Because lightning can travel through pipes, the US Department of Health and Human Services (CDC) believes it is “best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm.” Don’t shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands .”
“The risk of lightning propagating through pipelines may be lower with plastic pipes than with metal pipes,” the CDC added. “During a thunderstorm, however, it’s best to avoid all contact with pipes and running water to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.”
That’s not the only danger when you’re indoors. Stay away from porches and balconies, stay away from windows and doors, and “DO NOT lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls,” the agency said.
The CDC has also urged people not to use devices plugged into an outlet, such as computers or other electronic devices.
“Keep your hands off corded phones. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe…unless they’re plugged into a wall outlet via a charger.”
According to Climate Minister Sherry Rehman, there could be rainfall in the country in the next 24 hours.
On Sunday, she had urged the public and concerned authorities, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to remain vigilant as heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected across the country in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“Rain impact forecast in Pakistan over the next 24 to 48 hours. The highest amounts of rainfall will fall in Punjab’s cities like Lahore, Narowal and Sialkot. Other provinces have also been warned of heavy to moderate rain,” the climate minister wrote on her official Twitter account.
She said urban flood warnings had been issued for cities and townships at risk of landslides. “Coordinated preparedness and proactive responses save lives, so all response teams, both public and NGOs, in affected areas must remain vigilant and ready,” she added.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), there is a possibility of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains in northern/northeast Punjab including Lahore, Sialkot and Narowal with high or very high river currents in Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and associated Nullahs – Bhimber, Aik, Deg, Palkhu and Basanter – are expected.
“The above conditions can lead to urban flooding in urban areas and landslides in hilly regions,” the NDMA added.
Meanwhile, thunderstorms and heavy rains are likely in Karachi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Badin and Shaheed Benazirabad.
“Thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in NE Balochistan (Sibbi, Zhob, Kohlu, Qila Saifullah, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Loralai, Dera Bugti and Lasbela) and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Bannu, DI Khan, Malam Jabba, Balakot,” it said it further.
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