The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday issued a monsoon alert as the ninth spell of seasonal rains began across Punjab, warning of potential flooding in rivers and low-lying areas.
A PDMA spokesperson said heavy rainfall is expected between August 29 and September 2 in several districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot. Additional rainfall is forecast in Narowal, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Rajanpur.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabil Javed directed all divisional and deputy commissioners to remain on high alert, in line with the chief minister’s instructions. He cautioned that the ongoing monsoon rains could lead to a critical flood situation in rivers and connected streams. Rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej are already witnessing very high flood levels.
He also warned that stormwater drains and nullahs in major cities could swell due to heavy showers and instructed deputy commissioners and relevant officers to maintain field presence.
