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ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has categorically denied reports circulating on social and mainstream media that a cloudburst occurred in Chakwal, resulting in 423mm of rainfall on July 17, 2025.
The department clarified that such claims are not only inaccurate but also misleading and unverified.
In a statement issued on Monday, the PMD confirmed that no cloudburst was recorded in Chakwal between July 16 and 17, and no data from its Doppler radar or rain gauge network supported such an event. “A cloudburst is defined as more than 100 mm of rain within an hour over a small area, which was not observed anywhere in Chakwal,” the statement said.
According to official PMD data, rainfall across various stations in Chakwal, including observatories managed by the Agriculture Extension Department and Pakistan Air Force, remained below 150 mm over the 24-hour period.
The recorded rainfall in PMD Chakwal was 142.2 mm, while Airforce Observatory Murid reported 141.0 mm. Other readings included 130.0 mm in Chakwal city, 120.0 mm in Choa Saiden Shah, 142.0 mm in Kallar Kahar, 100.0 mm in Talagang, and 11 mm in Lawa.
The PMD emphasized that this was part of a widespread monsoon spell, not an isolated or extreme weather event like a cloudburst.
The department urged media outlets and stakeholders to verify meteorological claims with official sources before dissemination to avoid misinformation. “Misreporting of rainfall statistics can lead to public confusion and unwarranted panic,” the statement warned.
PMD reaffirmed its commitment to providing real-time, transparent, and scientifically accurate weather updates, and encouraged the public to consult its National Weather Forecasting Centre in Islamabad or regional centres across the country for verified data.