LAHORE: A report from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) released on Wednesday indicated that 55 people have died and 145 others have been injured in incidents related to rain, including building collapses and lightning strikes, during the current monsoon season in Punjab.
The PDMA also forecasted more rain across most districts in Punjab over the next two days, predicting heavy winds and thunderstorms in areas including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Sahiwal, Khushab, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Nurporthal, and others.
In the last 24 hours, Rawalpindi recorded 43mm of rain, followed by Sialkot with 21mm, Chakwal with 17mm, Gujrat with 16mm, Murree with 13mm, and Khanpur with 11mm.
The authority cautioned that water levels in rivers, dams, and canals are rising due to the ongoing rains. There is a risk of flooding in channels connected to the Chenab and Ravi rivers from August 7 to August 13. Currently, the PDMA reported a moderate flood level in the Indus River at Chashma and Taunsa, and a low-level flood at Tarbela and Kala Bagh.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that all preparations are in place to address the potential flood risks. He emphasized that the administration and relevant departments are on high alert and urged the public to take precautionary measures and adhere to government guidelines during the monsoon season. The government has also provided financial assistance to the families of those who have died in rain-related incidents.
The PDMA has implemented relief measures in low-lying flood-affected areas along the Indus River. Villages near the river in Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, and Kot Chitta Tehsil have experienced flooding, with five villages submerged. However, Mr. Kathia reported no loss of life or property in these areas, as evacuations for residents and livestock were carried out promptly.
Eight boats and 34 rescue workers are currently engaged in relief operations in the affected regions. So far, 61 people and 650 livestock have been relocated to safety. The PDMA is providing food and transportation for those affected, along with administering preventive drugs and vaccinations for their animals. Relief efforts will continue until all flood-affected individuals are evacuated and rehabilitated, ensuring the protection of their lives and property.
