LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast widespread monsoon rainfall across most districts of the province over the next 24 hours and directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah and Bhakkar.
The authority said the alert was issued on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Commissioners, deputy commissioners and all concerned departments have been directed to remain prepared for any emergency situation.
PDMA Director General said the Provincial Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centres across Punjab are operating around the clock to monitor the evolving weather situation.
Rescue 1122, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams and other emergency response organisations have been instructed to keep personnel and machinery ready for immediate deployment. Authorities have also been directed to ensure the prompt drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas and known waterlogging points.
The disaster management authority advised residents to exercise caution during the wet weather, avoid standing near electricity poles, exposed power lines, dilapidated buildings and mud houses, and prevent children from playing near accumulated rainwater.
Citizens have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms and seek shelter in safe locations in the event of lightning. In case of emergencies, the public has been advised to contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.
Meanwhile, the authority reported that Narowal received the highest rainfall in Punjab during the past 24 hours, recording 51 millimetres.
In Rawalpindi, rainfall measured 36mm in Gawalmandi, 35mm in New Katarian, 23mm in Shamsabad, 21mm in Kutchery and 19mm in Pirwadhai.
Elsewhere, Gujrat recorded 28mm, Sialkot 24mm, Murree and Attock 19mm each, Chakwal 4mm, Lahore 3mm, and Mandi Bahauddin 2mm of rainfall during the same period.
The PDMA said it would continue monitoring weather conditions and coordinate with district administrations to minimise the impact of the ongoing monsoon spell.