PDMA issues high alert for Punjab floods

LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert for floods in Punjab.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, there is a “very high to exceptionally high” flood risk from July 8 to 10 in Jhelum, Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers. PDMA has also contacted all provincial departments including the Deputy Commissioners of Punjab, and has advised all departments to be prepared.

The alert comes after Lahore witnessed torrential rain on Wednesday, which flooded the city and left 12 people dead. The recorded 291mm of rain in 10 hours, broke the 30-year monsoon rainfall record.

According to a Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) spokesperson, rain has started in different areas of the LESCO region, with reports of heavy downpour in the Sheikhupura, Nankana and Nadran.

On the instructions of LESCO Chief Executive Engineer Shahid Haider, the field staff has been put on high alert. Consumers are requested to keep themselves, their children and their animals away from electrical installations during the wet spell.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi has banned bathing and throwing garbage in Nalla Lai and any other drain in the area. The ban is applicable until July 11 and violators are to face strict legal action, the DC said.

According to the Met Office, heavy rains will continue until July 8 across the country.

Heavy rains are predicted to risk flooding in low-lying urban areas in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala and some other cities.

Potential flash floods have also been forecast in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Balochistan from July 6 to July 8.

Landslides triggered by heavy rainfalls have also been predicted in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan and the hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Met Office has advised commuters, tourists and farmers to be cautious in the coming weeks and to avoid travel.