The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued instructions to the relevant agencies to remain alert, predicting a new spell of rain in different areas of the province during the next two days. According to the department, this weather system, which started on the evening of July 11, may affect different districts till July 12, due to which citizens have also been advised to take precautionary measures.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, the possibility of rains has been shown to be highest in various cities of upper and central Punjab. Intermittent rain is expected in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal, while some areas may also experience rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.
The agency has also included other districts of central Punjab in its forecast. Cloudy conditions have also been predicted in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan and Kasur, including adjacent areas, which is expected to reduce the intensity of the heat.
According to the PDMA, southern Punjab may also be affected by this weather system. Rain is also expected at different times in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addo, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah and Bhakkar, while waterlogging may occur in some low-lying areas.
Director General PDMA Umar Javed said that on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, advance alerts have been issued to all commissioners, deputy commissioners and district bodies so that any emergency situation can be dealt with effectively during the rains. He also directed the relevant departments to keep drainage arrangements complete and ensure continuous monitoring of sensitive places.
The DG PDMA has appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, especially during thunderstorms and avoid standing near open fields, trees and electricity poles. He said that staying in safe places during strong winds and dust storms is essential for the safety of human lives.
He added that tourists heading to the northern regions should check the latest weather conditions before leaving and travel carefully on mountain roads, as problems like landslides and road closures can also arise during heavy rains.
According to experts, although the recent rains will lead to a drop in temperature, traffic flow and normal life may also be affected if there is no effective drainage management in urban areas. That is why it is very important to follow the instructions of the relevant institutions and stay informed about the weather conditions
