LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has placed district administrations and civic agencies on high alert as a fresh monsoon spell is expected to bring heavy rain, urban flooding and possible landslides across parts of the province from late August to early September.
In its weather advisory issued on August 28, the PDMA said monsoon currents were entering the upper parts of the country, while a westerly wave was expected to approach the northern areas from August 31.
The weather system is likely to bring rain, strong winds and thundershowers, with isolated heavy rainfall, across northern, central and southern Punjab until September 5.
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Rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad and Hafizabad from August 29 to September 5.
From September 1 to 5, showers are also expected in Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan, with occasional breaks.
The PDMA has warned of a high risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore from August 31 to September 5.
Flash flooding is also possible in local streams and seasonal nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat and Rawalpindi. The authority has also warned of possible landslides in the hilly areas of Murree and Galliyat.
The PDMA has directed divisional and district administrations, motorway police, Rescue 1122 and water and sanitation agencies to remain fully prepared.
District Emergency Operation Centres have been asked to remain operational round the clock. Rescue and disaster response teams are to stay on standby, with necessary equipment placed in vulnerable areas. Heavy machinery is also to be positioned at known choke points, while drains and other waterways are to be cleared to reduce the risk of flooding.
The authority has directed officials to share safety information and evacuation plans, where required, through electronic and social media.
Tourists travelling to Murree and Galliyat have been advised to remain particularly cautious during the rainy spell. Farmers have also been asked to plan their field activities according to the expected weather conditions.
