PDMA Warns Punjab and Sindh government as Monsoon brings Flood Risks in many cities:

According to a new report by the PDMA, a new spell of monsoon entered the country on 29 July and will continue until 2 August. There is a high chance of flash floods in both provinces.

In a notification on the social media platform X, the PDMA listed various cities at high risk of extreme rainfall and flash floods: Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh, among others. The monsoon spell has been ongoing across the country at regular intervals from July and will continue until August.

The notification alerts that heavy downpours and windstorms could weaken the structures of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. “Heavy falls may generate flash flooding in local nullahs and streams of Murree and Galliyat on July 23 and 24,” PDMA Punjab stated, adding that heavy rainfall could also cause urban flooding in the low-lying areas of Punjab on the same dates.

There is also a high chance of rainfall in the divisions of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Gujrat. For safety measures, the PDMA has advised travelers and tourists to plan their journeys according to weather conditions. Farmers are also advised to manage their activities according to the PDMA’s weather forecasts.

Additionally, PDMA Punjab has directed Rescue 1122 services to remain on high alert and ensure a sufficient emergency response during the intense weather conditions. According to media reports, heavy rains in Punjab resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 27 others, with 14 houses collapsing, according to a fact sheet issued by the provincial PDMA on July 13.

Sindh is also on high alert due to heavy rainfall. Rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in Mithi, Sanghar, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sukkur, Larkana, and Dadu on July 23 and 24 with occasional gaps.

In case of emergencies, the PDMA Punjab has urged the public to contact their helpline at 1129 and follow government-issued guidelines to ensure safety during the monsoon season.