Weather has started to take a turn once again in various parts of Punjab including Lahore, as the fresh monsoon has entered the country.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted light and heavy rain in most districts of the province today and has advised citizens to be careful.
According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of sunshine and clouds continuing in Lahore throughout the day, while light rain is expected in the city after noon. The Meteorological Department says that the minimum temperature in Lahore is expected to be recorded at 31 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius.
In view of the expected rains, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to all district administrations. The agency has directed that advance security measures be taken in low-lying areas and sensitive places so that any emergency situation can be dealt with in a timely manner. On the other hand, Managing Director Wasa Ghufran Ahmed has also issued instructions to all operational staff to remain on high alert due to the possibility of rains in Lahore.
He clarified that officers and field staff will remain on duty until the rainwater is completely drained from the city roads and low-lying areas so that the drainage process can continue uninterrupted. Authorities have also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the rain and to monitor the latest weather information issued by government agencies. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood alert in view of the increase in water flow in various rivers and streams of the province from July 20 to 24.
The concerned district administration, rescue agencies and other departments have been directed to remain on high alert to deal with the possible situation.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, there is a risk of low to high level flooding in the Chenab River at Marala, while a flood warning has also been issued for the Ravi River and the rivers adjacent to the Chenab River, including Bahin, Basantar, Dek, Ek, Palkho, Bhimber, Halsi and Dora.
According to the spokesperson, there is a risk of flash flooding in the river valleys of Dera Ghazi Khan, while the possibility of urban flooding has also been shown in Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalnagar and Rawalpindi divisions.
The PDMA has issued an alert to the commissioners, deputy commissioners, WASA, Rescue 1122, local government, irrigation department, agriculture department, health department, forest department, livestock and transport department across the province and directed them to keep all advance arrangements complete. DG PDMA Umar Abbas Mela has directed the concerned administration to keep the staff in the emergency control rooms on alert at all times, keep the disaster response teams of Rescue 1122 on high alert and ensure ample stock of petrol and diesel for rescue operations.