Heavy rainfall lashes Punjab: PDMA issues high alert

LAHORE: Due to continuous heavy rainfall in several districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to tackle any potential emergency situation.

DG PDMA Irfan Ali has directed all deputy commissioners across the province to stay alert and keep relevant departments fully prepared. The provincial control room and all district emergency operation centres have been put on alert, while the PDMA control room is actively monitoring the situation.

Rescue 1122 and other emergency agencies have been instructed to remain on standby with their machinery and staff.

Rain spell eases water shortage fears in twin cities

DG PDMA emphasised the urgent drainage of water from low-lying areas and advised citizens to stay away from electric poles and hanging wires, avoid weak or dilapidated buildings, and prevent children from playing near accumulated rainwater. For assistance, citizens can contact PDMA’s helpline at 1129.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Lahore has instructed all deputy and assistant commissioners and municipal staff to remain prepared. Rainfall is being recorded at 16 locations across Lahore on Thursday morning.

The commissioner also directed the traffic police to ensure smooth traffic flow during office hours and to keep all emergency drainage camps operational.

WASA has been told to ensure all machinery and backup systems at disposal stations are fully active due to the heavy rainfall in Punjab.

According to the Meteorological Department, the current spell of rain is expected to continue until July 1.

Meanwhile, in view of the expected weather conditions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued an advisory valid through July 1, calling on authorities to remain prepared for potential weather-related emergencies.

The Met Office has predicted intermittent rain across various regions of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.

 Due to the intensity of the expected downpours, there is a risk of water accumulation in low-lying areas, as well as potential flooding and landslides in hilly regions.