LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday said torrential rains are likely to hit the province in the next few days – till July 9 (July 16).
A PDMA spokesperson said the funeral processions should take precautionary measures in view of the intensity of the weather as heavy downpours are expected to lash the province tonight as well as on July 8 and 9 (July 15 and 16).
Apart from this, the PDMA has also directed the rescue squad to be on high alert especially on the above mentioned days.
The spokesman advised people to stay away from power poles and wires. The official also said that majalis should not be kept on dilapidated roofs while avoiding river crossings, streams and nullahs as much as possible.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority said floods are feared in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan.
Notably, several cities in the province experienced heavy rains on Friday, including Lahore, which experienced up to 315 millimeters of rainfall, breaking a 30-year-old record, leaving the city completely drenched.
The PDMA had earlier issued a flood alert containing data on the monsoon rain situation and water levels in rivers, dykes and dams in Punjab.
As a result of the heavy rains, 12 citizens lost their lives, 14 houses were hit, and 27 citizens were injured, including five children, three women and four men.
Additionally, three civilians were killed by lightning in Narowal and Multan.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said measures to address flood risks in vulnerable areas have been completed.
Kathia said flood relief camps have been set up in mountainous areas due to the threat of flood roads.
“There is a risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Gujranwala. The administration of major cities remains on high alert in view of the emergency situation,” he said.
According to APP, water flow in all rivers and dams in Punjab is currently at normal level. Water level in Mangla Dam is at 53% of capacity while Tarbela Dam is at 74%. Water levels in India’s dams on the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers are up to 37%.
