Punjab has issued an alert for the eighth spell of monsoon rains, with rainfall expected across several districts from August 29 to September 5.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot, while landslides are possible in Murree, Galiyat and other hilly areas.
According to the PDMA, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Gujrat. Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad and Hafizabad are also expected to receive rain, along with Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan.
PDMA Director General (DG) Saif Anwar, acting on the chief minister’s instructions, directed deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain alert and complete arrangements ahead of the expected rainfall.
Anwar said that flash flooding could occur in rainwater drains and urged citizens to take precautions during bad weather. He advised people against staying in dilapidated or mud-built houses, saying most monsoon-related accidents and deaths occur because of such structures.
He also advised citizens to remain in safe places during storms, avoid unnecessary travel and take shelter from lightning. Parents were asked to keep children away from standing water in low-lying areas as well as electric wires and poles.
The PDMA advised people to contact its helpline at 1129 in case of an emergency.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) PDMA has also issued an alert over rain, strong winds and thunderstorms expected in several districts from August 29 to September 5.
Rain is forecast in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur and Kohistan, as well as Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber and Mohmand.
The PDMA added that Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Waziristan could receive rain between September 1 and 4.
Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of the upper districts, while low-lying areas of Mardan and Swabi face a risk of urban flooding from August 31 to September 5.
The authority warned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards and crops. District administrations and relevant departments have been directed to make advance arrangements and remain alert.
Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the spell, while trekking, hiking and camping should be avoided during heavy rain.
The PDMA also directed people to stay away from rivers, streams and rainwater and avoid crossing flooded roads. It said its teams and relevant departments were monitoring the situation around the clock.
The KP PDMA helpline 1700 can be contacted during emergencies.
