Seventh spell of monsoon rains may hit most parts of Punjab
LAHORE: The seventh spell of monsoon rains is expected to hit most parts of Punjab from the evening of August 21 to August 23, with increased water flows already recorded in the province’s rivers and a moderate flood situation prevailing in the Indus at Kalabagh, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Friday.
According to the PDMA Punjab, heavy rains are expected in several districts, while urban flooding, flash floods and landslides remain potential risks in vulnerable areas.
The authority has issued an alert across the province and directed the administration and relevant departments to remain on high alert.
The PDMA spokesperson said a moderate flood situation was being observed in the Indus River at Kalabagh where inflow was recorded at 425,000 cusecs against an outflow of 416,000 cusecs. Low-level flooding was reported at Tarbela, Chashma and Taunsa, where water flows were recorded at 267,000, 360,000 and 317,000 cusecs, respectively.
Tarbela Dam was reported to be 100 percent full while Mangla Dam was 72 percent full. The authority said the situation was being closely monitored and relevant agencies were continuously monitoring water flows in rivers, nullahs and other waterways.
The water level in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, however, remained within normal range, while water flows in the rivers of Dera Ghazi Khan were also reported to be normal. A high-level flood situation was recorded at Nala Palkho in Wazirabad where discharge reached 5,800 cusecs, while low-level flooding was reported in Nala Basantar and Nala Ek in Narowal.
The PDMA said rainfall was expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin. Heavy rainfall was forecast for Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal and Okara. Rain was also expected in Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.
The authority warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal, while landslides could occur in Murree, Galiyat and other hilly areas. Flash flooding was also possible in storm-water drains and vulnerable low-lying areas.
DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa said that commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province had been alerted and directed to take all necessary preventive measures.
He directed the administration to ensure preparedness in major cities in view of the risk of urban flooding and directed relevant departments, including health, irrigation, communication and works, local government and livestock to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
Jappa urged citizens to exercise extreme caution during the prevailing weather and flood situation and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.
He advised people to stay indoors or at safe places during thunderstorms and avoid open areas to protect themselves from lightning. Citizens were also advised against residing in dilapidated buildings, as weakened structures face a higher risk of collapse during heavy rains and strong winds.
The DG PDMA particularly urged parents to keep children away from standing water, rivers, streams, drains, electric poles and exposed wires, warning them against bathing or playing in water bodies during the flood situation.
He also appealed to citizens to avoid visiting rivers, streams and flood-affected areas unnecessarily and to strictly follow instructions issued by relevant authorities in an emergency. The PDMA said citizens could contact its helpline 1129 for assistance in case of an emergency.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026