LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has announced that the fourth phase of monsoon rains is expected to begin on Sunday evening.
On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the PDMA has also released a monsoon fact sheet, detailing the rainfall data, water levels in major water bodies, and damages caused across the province.
According to the fact sheet, 135 people have lost their lives and 479 have been injured during this year’s monsoon season in Punjab.
Additionally, 156 houses have been damaged. Most of the casualties occurred due to incidents involving collapsing roofs, old or poorly built structures, and mud houses. Other causes included lightning, electrocution, and drowning while bathing in rivers.
The report also shared the latest water levels in major rivers, barrages, and dams across the province.
At present, Mangla Dam is at 49 percent of its capacity, while Tarbela Dam has reached 79 percent, said DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia. The Indus River is currently experiencing low-level flooding at Tarbela, Chashma, and Taunsa.
Authorities in major cities like Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala have been placed on high alert due to the risk of urban flooding.
The PDMA Director General also mentioned that financial aid is being given to the families of those who lost their lives, following the chief minister’s directives.