Punjab is set to receive its second spell of monsoon rains from July 19 to July 23, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a province-wide weather alert and place all district administrations on high alert.
According to the PDMA, heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected across most parts of the province, raising concerns over urban flooding, overflowing storm drains, flash floods and rising river levels.
Heavy rainfall has been forecast for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib and Chiniot.
Meanwhile, rain is also expected between July 20 and 24 in Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur.
The PDMA has warned of a high risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and Sialkot, where intense rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems.
Flood alerts have also been issued for Nullah Leh, Murree, Galiyat, local rivers and rain-fed streams across northeastern Punjab, where flash flooding remains a possibility.
PDMA Director General Omar Abbas Mela said the incoming monsoon spell could significantly increase water levels in Punjab’s rivers and seasonal waterways, urging authorities to remain vigilant.
Following the directives of the Punjab chief minister, alerts have been issued to all commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant departments, including Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government and Livestock, to ensure a swift emergency response if required.
District administrations have also been instructed to complete advance preparations to deal with potential urban flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
The PDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, remain indoors during thunderstorms and stay away from electricity poles, exposed wires and flooded low-lying areas.
Parents have been urged not to allow children near rainwater drains, rivers, floodwater or electrical infrastructure, while livestock owners and residents living near rivers and streams have been advised to remain alert as water levels may rise rapidly.
Authorities have asked the public to report emergencies by calling the PDMA helpline 1129, adding that the weather situation will be monitored closely throughout the monsoon spell.
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