RAWALPINDI: Punjab authorities have been alerted following the latest weather forecasts from the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), which predict “moderate to very heavy rains” during this year’s monsoon period.
In a weather advisory alert, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issued directives to all concerned departments to stay alert, following instructions from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to the PDMA, monsoon showers are likely to hit parts of Punjab starting in July.
Rainfall ranging from 15mm to 55mm is anticipated in the Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala Divisions during the first week of July. The intensity and duration of rains are expected to be comparatively lower in the Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur Divisions, according to the advisory.
Monsoon activity will persist in the Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, and Faisalabad divisions, where 25-35mm of rain is predicted.
Isolated rains are also expected in the Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur Divisions. Rain spells will remain significant in upper Punjab, while there will be a noticeable decrease in downpours in central and southern Punjab as the monsoon enters a weak phase.
The advisory added that the aforementioned parts are expected to receive 15-25mm of rain. Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad divisions are likely to face flooding due to heavy rains, ranging from 50-70mm, while hill torrents are expected in the DG Khan Division. “Moderate to heavy rains” are also forecast for the Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
The PDMA also warned about the potential impacts of the moderate to very heavy rains, which “may increase water flows in local nullahs, streams, and rivers, causing riverine and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.” It added that very heavy downpours may trigger hill torrents in vulnerable areas of DG Khan, Rajanpur, and along the Sulaiman range.
It may also cause urban flooding in vulnerable urban areas across the province, while some areas of Murree could see landslides.
