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LAHORE, Jul 05 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a rain alert for Ashura (10th Muharram), forecasting heavy rainfall in several districts of the province.
According to the advisory, cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, and Faisalabad are likely to receive significant rainfall on the day of Ashura.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed all district administrations to take immediate and effective precautionary measures to safeguard the public. He emphasized that, in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all concerned departments must remain fully alert. Special arrangements should be ensured for Muharram processions, keeping in view the expected weather conditions.
The DG further directed that District Emergency Operation Centers (DEOCs) remain operational round the clock to manage any potential emergency. He underscored the importance of close coordination with WASA and other relevant departments to guarantee timely and joint responses to any rain-related challenges. Drainage channels must be cleared of all obstructions to facilitate smooth water flow, while additional personnel and resources should be deployed in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding.
Rescue 1122 has also been placed on high alert, and Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams are being pre-positioned with the necessary equipment to handle emergencies. The ongoing second wave of the monsoon is expected to continue until July 10, which may lead to a significant rise in the water levels of rivers and streams across Punjab.
In case of any emergency, citizens are advised to contact the PDMA Punjab helpline at 1129.