Warns of rising river levels from July 20 to 24, with flash floods and urban flooding expected in all cities in Punjab
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday warned of increased risk of flooding in Punjab as a strong monsoon spell, along with a wave approaching westward, was expected to affect major river basins from July 20 to 24.
According to a PDMA advisory, water flows in the province’s rivers were expected to increase significantly during the period.
“Low to medium flooding is likely to occur in the next 24 hours in River Chenab at Marala and River Ravi at Jassar, while high levels of flooding are expected in Chenab at Marala and Jhelum upstream of Mangla between July 20 and 24,” it said.
The authority also warned of high flows in the Kabul River and its tributaries, and in several nullahs linked to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi river systems, including Dora, Dotta, Dowara, Bhimber, Halsi, Aik, Palkhu, Bein, Basanter, Deg and Sakki.
Read: PMD warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in Pakistan from July 18 to 25
“Flash floods are expected in the torrents of the Dera Ghazi Khan hills, while urban flooding may occur in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Faisalabad,” PDMA added.
The PDMA has put commissioners, deputy commissioners, officials of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122 and the departments of Local Government, Agriculture, Irrigation, Health, Forestry, Livestock and Transport on alert.
PDMA Director General Umar Abbas Mehla directed the district administrations to complete precautionary measures as per the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He ordered round-the-clock staffing of emergency control rooms, deployment of Rescue 1122 disaster response teams, and adequate stocks of fuel for rescue operations.
“District administrations have also been directed to strengthen coordination with the PDMA and other departments, issue timely public safety and evacuation advisories, prepare for urban flooding, clear drainage systems, preposition heavy machinery at vulnerable locations and deploy additional personnel and resources to high-risk areas. The Highway Police have been asked to issue regular traffic advisories and updates on road conditions,” he added.
In addition, authorities have been directed to ensure evacuation of people and livestock from river beds where necessary, establish flood relief camps with food, drinking water and other essential facilities, and keep the public informed about the evolving situation.
The PDMA urged residents to follow official safety warnings, cooperate with authorities in case of evacuation and contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of an emergency.
