Punjab PDMA issues alert as ninth monsoon spell to hit province

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for the ninth and final spell of monsoon rains with rainfall expected across several districts of the province from September 12 to September 17.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for the ninth and final spell of monsoon rains with rainfall expected across several districts of the province from September 12 to September 17.

According to the PDMA, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock from Saturday through September 17. Lahore, meanwhile, is expected to remain hot and dry on Saturday, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 36°C.

From Sunday, September 13, rainfall is forecast in Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib and Sargodha.

Several other parts of Punjab are also expected to receive rain, including Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan along with surrounding areas.

Punjab PDMA Director General Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa directed district administrations to remain alert as adverse weather conditions could create risks in several areas.

Authorities have warned of possible landslides in Murree, Galiyat and other mountainous areas. Major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad also face a risk of urban flooding due to heavy monsoon rainfall.

Rain-fed streams could experience flash flooding, prompting the PDMA to alert departments including health, irrigation, communications and works local government and livestock.

Jappa urged citizens to take precautions during severe weather and avoid staying in dilapidated or mud-built houses, which can become dangerous during heavy rainfall. He also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during storms and remain in safe locations during lightning and thunderstorms.

Parents were urged to keep children away from low-lying areas, water channels, electrical wires and poles. Citizens were also advised against entering open areas during thunderstorms and lightning.

For emergencies residents can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority has warned of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy monsoon rains rising temperatures and accelerating glacier melt.

The NDMA has advised citizens to follow official weather warnings and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely updates.