The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a security and safety alert in view of the ninth and final spell of monsoon rains expected across Punjab until September 17, warning of potential urban flooding in major cities and landslides in hilly regions.
PDMA issues rain alert for Punjab districts
LAHORE, Sep 13 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a security and safety alert in view of the ninth and final spell of monsoon rains expected across Punjab until September 17, warning of potential urban flooding in major cities and landslides in hilly regions.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is likely in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, and Attock from today until September 17. Meanwhile, rainfall is expected in Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sargodha between September 14 and 17.
Rainfall has also been forecast for Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and surrounding areas.
PDMA Director General Saif Anwer Jappa has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert in accordance with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab. He stated that administrative bodies must take proactive measures as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad face potential urban flooding alongside flash floods in local nullahs and rainwater drains.
According to the PDMA, there is also a risk of landslides in Murree, Galyat, and adjoining hilly areas, prompting directives for all relevant agencies to remain vigilant. Alerts have been issued to the Health, Irrigation, Works and Communications, Local Government, and Livestock departments.
Urging citizens to take precautionary measures during inclement weather, the PDMA Director General advised against staying in dilapidated or mud houses, noting that a high number of monsoon fatalities result from structural collapses.
He advised citizens to stay in safe locations, avoid unnecessary travel during windstorms, and seek shelter to protect themselves from lightning strikes.
The PDMA Director General urged parents to take special care of their children, advising them not to let children venture near accumulated water in low-lying areas, electrical lines, or utility poles.
The PDMA has instructed citizens to immediately contact its emergency helpline at 1129 in the event of any emergency.
