Weather forecasts from the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) predict “moderate to very heavy rain” for this year’s monsoon season, Punjab authorities are on high alert.
Following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued an advisory to all departments. The monsoon rains are anticipated to commence in July.
Rainfall ranging from 15mm to 55mm is expected in the Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala Divisions during the first week of July. Lighter rainfall is anticipated in the Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur Divisions.
Monsoon activity will intensify in the Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, and Faisalabad Divisions, with 25-35mm of rain forecast for the latter part of July.
These areas could face flooding with heavy rains between 50-70mm, while the DG Khan Division might experience hill torrents. Moderate to heavy rains are also predicted for the Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur Divisions.’
The PDMA has warned that these rains could increase water flows in local nullahs, streams, and rivers, potentially leading to riverine and flash flooding.
The downpour may trigger hill torrents in DG Khan, Rajanpur, and the Sulaiman Range, and urban flooding could impact vulnerable urban areas across the province.
Murree might encounter landslides, while dust storms, wind thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall could damage unstable structures, including electrical poles, solar panels, and buildings under construction.
