The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood alert ahead of widespread monsoon rains forecast for the coming week.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a strong westerly wave combined with an active monsoon system is expected to affect the catchment areas of all major rivers from July 20 to 24, leading to a significant rise in river flows across the country.
The PDMA warned that low to medium-level flooding is likely in the Chenab River at Marala and the Ravi River at Jassar within the next 24 hours.
The weather system is also expected to trigger high flood levels in the Chenab River at Marala, the Jhelum River upstream of Mangla, and several associated streams and nullahs, including Dora, Dotta, Dowara, Bhimber, Halsi, Aik, Palkhu, Bein, Basanter, Deg, and Sakki, between July 20 and 24.
In addition, high water flows are anticipated in the Kabul River and its tributaries, while flash flooding is feared in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.
The PDMA also cautioned that urban flooding may occur in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Faisalabad due to heavy rainfall.
To minimise the impact of potential flooding, the authority has instructed all district administrations and line departments to maintain round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), strengthen coordination with PDMA and other agencies, and ensure the timely dissemination of public safety information and evacuation plans through electronic and social media.
The PDMA has also directed authorities to implement contingency plans for urban flooding, complete the desilting and clearing of drainage systems, and position heavy machinery at vulnerable locations to enable a swift response.
Furthermore, the Motorway Police have been asked to issue regular traffic advisories and keep travellers informed about road conditions, while additional personnel and resources should be deployed to high-risk areas. Rescue 1122 has been instructed to remain on high alert and pre-position search and rescue teams, along with the necessary equipment, in flood-prone locations.
Widespread Monsoon Rains Forecast Across Pakistan Until July 25
