PMD warns of urban flooding and rising rivers as Punjab reviews bunds, relief camps and emergency plans
A traffic police officer redirects traffic as heavy monsoon rains lash Lahore for the second day. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast a powerful monsoon spell from July 29 that could affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper catchment areas of rivers.
The weather department said there was no likelihood of flood-producing rainfall before July 28, but a strong monsoon system was expected to begin on July 29, potentially triggering urban flooding and rising water levels in hill streams and nullahs.
The Flood Forecasting Division said the overall river situation remained under control, although water flows had increased at Marala on the Chenab and Balloki on the Ravi. The Indus, Jhelum and Kabul rivers were experiencing low-level flood conditions, it said.
The PMD said water levels in the Chenab and Ravi were expected to rise further over the next 24 hours, while the Indus was likely to remain in a low-level flood situation over the following 48 hours.
Rain is expected to continue in Lahore and several other parts of Punjab. During the past 24 hours, Noorpur Thal received 115 millimetres of rain, followed by Gujranwala with 107mm and Gujrat with 94mm.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning swimming, bathing and unauthorised boating at various water bodies amid the ongoing monsoon conditions.
The Punjab Home Department has issued a notification imposing the restrictions for 60 days.
Under the notification, bathing in accumulated rainwater in open spaces and public places has been prohibited. Swimming in dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes has also been banned.
Unauthorised boating in dams, rivers, canals and distributaries has also been prohibited under the restrictions.
The Home Department said the measures had been imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, in view of the prevailing weather conditions and the risk of accidents, to protect human lives.
The home secretary directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the notification. Authorities were also instructed to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign regarding the restrictions.
Separately, Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Mela visited Ferozwala tehsil and Muridke to review protective bunds, affected villages, flooded areas and flood relief camps following recent monsoon rains.
During the visit, Mela was briefed on the restoration of protective bunds, sealing of cracks, control of water flows, urban flooding, drainage and other emergency measures.
He directed the relevant departments to expedite repairs to protective bunds and drainage operations to help restore normal life in affected areas.
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Mela also visited affected villages and flooded areas, met residents and reviewed their problems. He inspected flood relief camps and reviewed facilities being provided to affected families, directing authorities to ensure uninterrupted supplies of food, clean drinking water, medicines and other basic necessities.
The PDMA chief reviewed relief activities being carried out by the district administration, Rescue 1122, the Irrigation Department and other relevant institutions and directed them to improve coordination and communication.
He said protecting people’s lives and property was the Punjab government’s top priority and directed all relevant institutions to remain fully alert and ensure uninterrupted relief and rehabilitation activities in affected areas.
Mela warned that negligence or lapses in safety arrangements would not be tolerated. He directed authorities to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas and ensure special arrangements for the safe evacuation of women, children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups.
He also ordered authorities to keep relief camps, rescue equipment, boats, staff and evacuation plans operational according to the needs of vulnerable villages.
Mela said advance arrangements had been completed on the chief minister’s instructions and all relevant institutions, including district administrations, were prepared to deal with emergencies.
The deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner, Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122 and other relevant officials were also present during the visit.
