Pre-monsoon rains expected across Punjab from tomorrow till July 6: PDMA

LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast widespread pre-monsoon rainfall across Punjab from tomorrow through July 6, warning of possible urban flooding in several districts and urging residents to take precautionary measures.

According to the PDMA, rain is expected in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat region, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Gujrat. Showers are also forecast for Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Narowal. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged residents to remain in safe locations during thunderstorms and avoid open spaces when lightning is occurring. He also advised tourists travelling to northern areas to exercise extra caution due to the expected adverse weather conditions.

The wet spell is also likely to affect Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Okara and Kasur, as well as Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Khanewal.

The authority warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad.

Following the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the PDMA said commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province had been placed on alert to ensure preparedness for any emergency. The PDMA asked the public to contact its emergency helpline, 1129, in the event of any weather-related emergency.