LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert, predicting heavy monsoon rains across the province from July 17 to 20.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, strong winds and heavy rains are expected in most districts of Punjab with the southern regions likely to be particularly affected between July 17 and 19.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized the need for special measures due to the possible monsoon rains coinciding with the 10th of Muharram.

“The management of Muharram processions should take safety measures considering the severity of the weather. Avoid holding gatherings under dilapidated roofs and in unsafe buildings.”

Mr Kathia also stressed that all rescue agencies should be on high alert during Ashura as the rivers and canals in Punjab might overflow due to rains.

In light of the risk of urban flooding, the administration of major cities has been instructed to remain vigilant and complete advance arrangements.

The PDMA DG warned that the storm could damage electric poles and solar panels, necessitating extra caution.

DG Kathia further stressed the importance of ensuring the timely drainage of water from residential areas to prevent flooding.

“There is no room for neglecting precautions and duties during the rains.”

He said the PDMA control room was monitoring weather conditions 24 hours a day and the public had been urged to comply with government instructions to ensure safety.

The regional Met Office also predicted rain and wind/thundershower in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar and Mianwali from 17th to 20th July with gaps.

Rain and thundershower are expected in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, DG Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan and Layyah from 17th to 19th July.

Meanwhile, the water flow in all the rivers and barrages of Punjab is currently at normal levels. The water level in Mangla Dam is 53% of its capacity while Tarbela Dam is at 74%.

Earlier, Provincial Minister of Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management, Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the PDMA Head Office to assess the situation and review ongoing relief operations in the wake of recent heavy rains and damages across Punjab.

During his visit, Minister Rafique toured the PDMA control room where he was briefed by DG Irfan Ali Kathia.

The briefing highlighted the devastating impact of the rains, which have led to the loss of 24 lives this month due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings and lightning strikes.

The minister emphasized the importance of providing financial assistance to the affected families. Minister Rafique also reviewed the water levels in rivers and dams. “The water situation in all rivers and barrages of Punjab is normal,” he asserted.

However, concerns were raised regarding the hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan.

DG PDMA provided a detailed briefing on the potential flood situation due to the rains in the Koh-i-Sulaiman.

The minister assured that proactive measures had been taken. “The PDMA Punjab has established flood relief camps in anticipation of potential danger,” he announced, adding that all necessary resources were being made available to the district administration.

Addressing the broader context of climate change, Minister Rafique noted, “Due to climate change, Pakistan is facing heavy rains and flood situations. Timely measures should be ensured to protect human lives”.

He appealed to the public to take precautionary measures during the rainy season and called for close coordination among all departments and administrative units.

“All departments, divisional and district administrations should maintain close communication,” he emphasized. “

The PDMA DG added that control rooms at both provincial and district levels were conducting 24-hour monitoring to manage the situation effectively. According to the latest forecasts, most districts in the province are expected to experience rain on the 8th and 9th of Muharram while the weather was likely to be hot and humid on the 10th of Muharram.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2024