LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, in coordination with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), has issued an urgent warning regarding a severe spell of torrential rains expected to hit various parts of the province from August 5 to August 7.
Authorities have specifically cautioned residents of urban centers, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad, about the risk of urban flooding during this intense weather activity.
According to a fact sheet released by the PDMA, the ongoing monsoon season has already taken a heavy toll, with 163 lives lost, 579 individuals injured, and 215 homes damaged across the province due to rain-related incidents. The upcoming rain spell is anticipated to worsen the situation further.
The PDMA has also projected moderate to high-level flooding in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers starting August 5, due to continuous rainfall and thunderstorm activity in upper catchment areas. Officials have urged people living near riverbanks and low-lying regions to remain vigilant.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that all emergency response centers have been placed on high alert. “Our field teams are actively monitoring the situation round-the-clock, especially in sensitive zones like Murree, where the risk of landslides remains high,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the current spell of rains has led to rising water levels in the country’s main reservoirs. The Tarbela Dam has reached 91 percent of its total storage capacity, while the Mangla Dam stands at 60 percent. However, officials noted that major rivers currently exhibit normal flow conditions.
The PDMA has activated its emergency helpline 1129 and dispatched dedicated teams to prevent water accumulation and drainage blockages in vulnerable districts. Warnings have also been issued to residents in 19 districts, including Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Bahawalpur, advising them to relocate to safer areas where necessary.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the concerned authorities to ensure swift financial relief and rehabilitation support for the affected families. Additionally, the public has been advised to keep children away from storm drains, culverts, and water channels, with PDMA cautioning that “one moment of negligence can prove fatal.”
As Punjab braces for what could be the most intense monsoon downpour of the season, authorities continue to urge the public to stay alert, follow official advisories, and cooperate with rescue and relief teams.
