Westerly system to affect Punjab from May 18–23
Dust storms, rain and hailstorm forecast in multiple districts
PDMA issues alert to all commissioners and DCs
Strong winds may damage infrastructure and crops
Citizens advised to take precautionary measures
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued an important warning regarding the weather situation in various districts of the province, saying that dusty winds, thundershowers and hailstorms are likely in some places from Monday night to Saturday.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab, a westerly wind system will affect the upper parts of the country from the night of May 18 and its effects are likely to continue till May 23.
According to the department, intermittent rain, wind, stormy winds and hailstorm in some areas may occur in several districts of Punjab during this period. The affected districts include Murree, Galiat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot and Narowal.
PDMA Director General Umar Javed said that instructions have been issued to all commissioners and deputy commissioners so that any possible emergency situation can be dealt with in a timely manner. According to him, the district administration has been directed to keep the emergency operation centers active 24 hours and strengthen coordination between all relevant departments.
The advisory issued by the department warns that strong winds and lightning strikes can damage vulnerable structures, including electricity poles, billboards and solar panels. Citizens have been advised to avoid going to open areas and not to take shelter under trees during wind or thunderstorms.
The PDMA has also advised farmers to take precautionary measures to protect their crops from possible damage. According to agricultural experts, such weather conditions can prove detrimental to crops, especially when the wheat harvesting process is underway.
The traffic police and local administration have also been directed to issue timely traffic advisories for passengers to avoid any unpleasant situation during travel.
The department has directed citizens to contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of any emergency.
Last week, at least three people were killed and 24 injured in various accidents during storms and rains in Punjab, after which the importance of the recent warning has increased further.