LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a monsoon rain alert for various districts across the province, starting from August 17 (today).
According to a PDMA spokesperson, rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad.
The new monsoon spell is also predicted for Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, and Faisalabad.
PDMA also said that heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected in Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Mianwali. Additional districts likely to receive rainfall include Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, Lodhran, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Layyah.
PDMA Director Irfan Ali Kathia has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert. In accordance with instructions from the Chief Minister of punjab, alerts have also been issued to the district administrations.
PDMA officials have noted that the monsoon rains may lead to increased water levels in rivers and nearby streams. There is also a risk of flash flooding in stormwater drains, and the administration is on alert for potential urban flooding in major cities.
Alerts have also been sent to departments including Health, Irrigation, Construction and Communications, Local Government, and Livestock. Citizens have been advised to take necessary precautions during the expected weather conditions.
CLOUDBURST WARNING ISSUED
The PDMA has also warned of possible cloudburst and heavy rains in most districts of the province, particularly in the upper region, over the next 24 hours.
Director General PDMA Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, said the seventh spell of monsoon rains is relatively stronger, with the possibility of torrential downpours and cloudbursts in upper Punjab districts.
According to the fact sheet, the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at Tarbela and Taunsa, while medium-level flooding has been recorded at Kalabagh and Chashma. The Sutlej River has low-level flooding at Ganda Singh Wala, while water flow in the Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers remains normal.
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The DG PDMA said Tarbela Dam has reached 98 per cent of its capacity, Mangla Dam 68 per cent, while water levels in Indian dams have reached 70 per cent. He advised citizens to take precautionary measures during the monsoon season.
Since the beginning of this year, in punjab, 164 people have lost their lives, 582 have been injured, 216 houses damaged, and 121 livestock killed.
