LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued a warning that the sixth phase of monsoon rains is expected to begin on August 5, raising the risk of flooding in various parts of the province.
Following the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the PDMA released a fact sheet confirming that rainfall had already been recorded in several districts over the past 24 hours.
These include Rawalpindi, Bahawalnagar, Murree, Chakwal, Sahiwal, Narowal, Okara, Attock, and Lahore. More rain is expected in many districts within the next 24 hours.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has urged local authorities to remain on alert and take all necessary precautions.
He stated that water flow in major rivers such as the Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej remains within normal levels, along with hill torrents and linked streams.
However, low-level flooding has been reported in the Chenab River at Khanki and in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa.
According to the report, Tarbela Dam is currently 89 percent full, and Mangla Dam is at 61 percent. Indian dams are reported to be at 43 percent storage capacity.
The PDMA also shared that, so far this year, 162 people have died and 571 have been injured in incidents related to the monsoon season. A total of 214 houses have been affected, and 121 livestock animals have died.
On the chief minister’s orders, financial aid is being given to the families impacted by the rain-related incidents.
The public is being advised to remain cautious, avoid going near water bodies during rainfall, and keep children away from canals and low-lying areas.