The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a fresh alert warning of heavy rainfall across most districts of Punjab starting today. The 10th spell of the monsoon season is expected to continue until September 9, raising concerns of urban flooding and river overflows.
Widespread rains expected
According to a PDMA spokesperson, heavy showers are forecast in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Lahore.
Rainfall is also likely to hit Narowal, Hafizabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur, and Mianwali, as well as southern districts including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Rajanpur.
Risk of flash floods and river overflows
The authority has warned of a possibility of flash flooding in the riverine areas of Dera Ghazi Khan between September 6 and 9.
Also Read: Flood situation eases in Punjab; Gujrat, Sialkot worst-hit
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that flood situations are already being faced in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. He cautioned that urban drains in major cities may overflow due to the heavy monsoon downpour.
Depts and officials on alert
To ensure preparedness, PDMA has placed commissioners, deputy commissioners, and district officers on high alert.
Alerts have also been issued to the health, irrigation, communication and works, local government, and livestock departments, instructing them to stay ready for emergency response.
Flood situation improving
Meanwhile, Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed during a press conference on Saturday that the flood situation in Punjab has started to show signs of improvement, but Gujrat and Sialkot remain among the most severely affected districts in the north of the province.
Rescue operations continue
Kathia said that more than two million people have been rescued across Punjab, while over 1.5 million cattle have been shifted to safe places. A total of 423 flood relief camps have been established to provide food, shelter, and medical facilities.
Also Read: 51 dead in Punjab floods as Panjnad, Sutlej overflow
He added that 132,495 people have received medical treatment so far. Tragically, 50 lives have been lost, and the Punjab government is providing Rs1 million assistance to each of the affected families.
Severe flooding in Gujrat, Sialkot
The PDMA chief highlighted that Gujrat city is facing a particularly severe flood situation, with rescue teams and heavy machinery working to drain water from populated areas. The situation in Gujrat is expected to improve in the next 12 to 18 hours, thanks to declining water levels and drainage efforts.
