LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high alert for the sixth spell of monsoon rains across the province, predicting widespread downpours in most districts from the night of August 16 to August 21.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, intermittent to heavy rains are expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad.
Precipitation is also forecast for Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and Noorpur Thal. Furthermore, rains are likely to hit Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan on August 20 and 21.
The authority has warned of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas of major cities, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore, from August 17 to 20. Additionally, a distinct risk of landslides persists in Murree, Galiyat, and other hilly tracts, alongside flash flooding threats in local nullahs and storm drains.
Director General PDMA Saif Anwar Jappa has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert in accordance with directives from the Chief Minister of Punjab. He instructed the local administration to ensure pre-emptive arrangements in big cities to mitigate urban flooding risks.
Alerts have also been communicated to the Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government, and Livestock departments to coordinate emergency responses effectively.
Urging citizens to exercise extreme caution during inclement weather, DG PDMA advised the public to avoid staying in dilapidated structures due to the heightened risk of roof collapses during the monsoon season. Citizens have been asked to stay indoors during windstorms, steer clear of open spaces to prevent lightning strikes, and ensure children are kept away from accumulated rainwater, electric poles, and dangling wires. In case of any emergency, citizens can contact the PDMA 24/7 helpline at 1129.