Pakistan is preparing for a change in the climate, since heavy rains are expected in the next few days, and the authorities warn about potential floods in some regions. The general director of the Provincial Authority for Disaster Management, Irfan Ali Kathia, issued detailed information about the current situation of the climate and floods.
“From this month, Rawalpindi’s rain is expected to lashore, and could be heavy,” said DG Irfan Ali Kathia.
Light rain is expected in several Punjab districts on Saturday (today), while southern Punjab is also likely to see rain on Sunday (tomorrow), averaging 10-15 mm. “Tomorrow, the intensity of the rain will be more than today, with an average of 30-35 mm.”
Read: Floods claim 1,006 lives, including 275 children
The Provincial Disaster Authority (PDMA) of Punjab warned that the rainfall of October 6 will be heavier in the north, northeast and central of Punjab, with 50-70 mm expected, while the showers on October 7 could be even more intense. “Residents in vulnerable areas must remain alert and take precautions,” Kathia urged.
The light showers have already brought relief to cities such as Lahore, while the Potohar region and the northeast of Punjab, including the storms of Rawalpindi, Murree, Chakwal and Gujrat, are expected to see intermittent rains and electric storms until October 7. Meteorologists predict alternative and dry and sudden spells of rain at the beginning of October.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad experienced their first heavy winter rain on October 3, ending a six -week dry spell and breaking the intense heat and humidity. “The sudden chill led residents to get warm clothes and blankets,” said a local resident. The streets saw the motorcyclists with sweaters, and the vendors quickly established positions that sell winter favorites such as peanuts and roasted chickpeas.
Ascending waters increase flood alarm
Floods continue to affect 27 districts throughout the country. The recent floods of Punjab affected 4,795 villages in 28 districts, affecting more than 407,000 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 612,800 residents along with 2 million animals.
Throughout the southern Punjab, 331 Socorro camps house around 106,000 people, supported by 425 medical camps and mobile clinics.
Floods damaged 2.58 million acres of farmland, with Gujrat and Faisalabad suffering from crop losses, including significant damage to corn, rice, sugar and cotton cane.
In the head of Marala, the Chenab River transports 20,000 Cusecs, with 100,000 expected additional cusecs of India in the next 48 hours due to the upstream operations in Dulhasti.
The current flow of Marala is 23,000 CUSECs, while Mangla DAM reports high water levels. The Sutlej can receive 50,000 CUSECs from India and could release 35,000 Cusec to the Ravi River.
PDMA teams are actively surveying the affected areas. “Currently, 11,500 personnel in 27 districts are committed, including the officers of the Pakistan Army and local administrations,” Kathia said.
Read more: The rain brings relief to Lahore
A total of 2,213 equipment performs land evaluations, monitored in real time through an online board. Surveys in 69 Tehsils are expected to be completed before October 27.
To support the victims of the flood, Punjab Bank cabins are being established in all the Tehsils. After the distribution of relief cards, 50,000 people have already received immediate assistance. PDMA, in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), has launched a platform to address complaints related to the survey, ensuring the resolution within seven days.
“Current floods have caused greater damage than all previous events, including household losses, cattle and lives,” said DG Irfan Ali Kathia. In the last 15 years, RS51 billion has been provided to communities affected by floods.
Pakistan has witnessed important flood events in recent years. In 2010, more than 350,000 people were affected; in 2012, 38,196 people; And in 2014, more than 359,000, with RS14 billion distributed. In 2022, 56,000 people were affected and RS10 billion were disbursed.
