LAHORE: The fifth round of monsoon rains this season is expected to begin across Punjab and continue till July 31, prompting authorities to issue alerts and begin emergency preparations throughout the province.
As per the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), heavy rains are forecast in multiple districts of North, Central, and South Punjab.
These include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sialkot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned that due to the expected downpours, low-lying areas could face urban flooding as drainage systems may become overwhelmed.
“The monsoon system may cause flooding in Punjab’s rivers and streams,” he stated, adding that river levels in Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, and Jhelum may rise significantly during this period.
Currently, the Indus River is already experiencing medium-level flooding at Taunsa Barrage, where water flow has reached 410,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, low-level floods are being reported at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.
The chief minister of Punjab has directed all district administrations to stay on high alert. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to stay in the field, enforce Section 144 to limit public movement near rivers and drains, and monitor the situation closely. Police have also been told to increase patrols near water bodies.
All municipal departments, WASA, and Rescue 1122 have been placed on standby. They’ve been asked to ensure swift drainage from waterlogged areas, deploy necessary staff and equipment at known trouble points, and keep pumping stations and generators ready for use.
Private housing societies have been warned to immediately clear areas where water may accumulate, or face legal action.
The chief minister stressed that it is entirely the responsibility of these societies to handle drainage within their premises.
PDMA has also shared a monsoon update sheet listing rainfall data, river and reservoir levels, and flood risks.
Light rain was recorded in Sialkot over the last 24 hours, and more rain is expected in several districts in the coming days.
While there have been no new casualties from the latest rains, the overall death toll in Punjab due to this year’s monsoon season has already reached 152.