LAHORE:
The authorities of all Pakistan have issued a red alert while the heavy monsoon rains continue to attenuate the country’s strips, causing sudden floods, landslides and the increase in river levels.
The downpour, expected to intensify until July 25, has already charged at least 13 lives in the last 24 hours, with wounded dozens, according to official figures.
The Department of Meteorology of Pakistan (PMD) forecasts persistent rain and thunderstorms in the upper and central regions, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltist and Baluchistan parts.
Heavy rains can cause sudden floods in local currents and nullahs in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad and other mountainous areas. Urban floods are also anticipated in lower parts of the main cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Peshawar.
According to the National Authority for Disaster Management (NDMA), at least 216 people have died and 582 wounds since the beginning of the Monzón season on June 26. According to reports, more than 770 homes have collapsed due to rain -related incidents.
In Punjab, the fourth spell of the Monzón rains is underway, which causes emergency alerts of the Provincial Authority of Disaster (PDMA).
The authorities have warned that this spell could be more intense than the previous ones, with a high -impact rain that is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Chakwal, Gujrat and other central and north districts. The southern regions such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and fine are also preparing for storms.
The increase in water levels in the main rivers has raised concerns about possible floods. The PDMA has issued warnings regarding the increase in flow in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej and Chenab rivers. The Indo River has already reached medium flood levels in Taunsa, with a flow that exceeds 420,000 CUSECs. Low level floods are also observed in Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma.
As a precaution, emergency response equipment has been implemented in key locations. Rescue 1122 has mobilized boats and personnel in flood -prone areas, while the Department of Health has established medical camps. In the Shahdara de Lahore area, the water level in the Ravi River has increased above 8,900 CUSECs, fusing the flood alert threshold.
The general director of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, confirmed that all district administrations have received instructions to remain on the maximum alert. Section 144 has been imposed around rivers and currents to restrict public access, and field officers have been aimed at closely monitoring vulnerable areas. Machinery and staff have been deployed in Chokepoints to guarantee effective drainage and emergency response.
Meanwhile, the department of MET has refuted the claims of the social networks of a “cloudburst” in Chakwal on July 17, which alleged rain greater than 423 mm. The department confirmed that the real recorded precipitation was only 142.2 mm, and no bubble of clouds was detected by Doppler radar or terrestrial stations.
The PMD warned that disseminating erroneous information can cause public panic and urged the media to verify the data before the publication.
Residents of every Pakistan are urged to remain cautious, avoid flooding areas and follow the official guide as the monsoon activity continues. The PMD predicts that the rains will probably persist up to at least July 26, with the potential of greater interruption depending on evolving weather patterns.
The governor of Punjab, Sardar Salem Haider, visited the Chakwal areas affected by floods on Sunday. The local administration, including the authorities of DCO, DPO and PDMA, gave the governor about the situation in the field.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Salem Haider said that the Popular Party of Pakistan (PPP) would not leave only the victims of the flood. He assured all possible support to compensate the houses dragged on the floods.
The governor also met with flood victims and expressed a deep sadness for the loss of lives and properties. He reaffirmed his commitment to guarantee the complete rehabilitation of the areas affected by floods.
During his visit to the Dohman area, he inspected damage caused by sudden floods and pointed out that generalized rains have inflicted serious damage in several regions of the country. He asked all the segments of society to join the government in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
