LAHORE – The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has forecast rain across most districts of the province from Saturday through September 5, with several areas likely to receive heavy rainfall.
The PDMA said that the rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat region, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Gujrat.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noor Pur Thal. Rain has also been forecast for Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan.
The PDMA has warned of possible urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot. The risk of flash flooding in rainwater drains has also been highlighted.
Meanwhile, Murree, Galiyat and other hilly areas face a risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall.
PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert. District administrations have also been alerted in line with the directives of the Punjab chief minister.
The PDMA chief urged authorities in major cities to take precautionary measures in advance to deal with possible urban flooding during the monsoon rains.
The departments of health, irrigation, communications and works, local government and livestock have also been placed on alert.
The PDMA has advised citizens to take precautionary measures during periods of severe weather and avoid staying in dilapidated or mud-built houses, which are particularly vulnerable to collapse during the monsoon season.
Residents have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during strong winds and storms and seek shelter in safe locations. People have been urged to remain indoors or in secure places during thunderstorms to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
The authority has asked parents to keep a close watch on children and prevent them from approaching stagnant water, electrical wires and power poles, particularly in low-lying areas.
Citizens have also been advised to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms and severe weather.
In case of an emergency, residents can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.
