PDMA issues alert of final spell of monsoon rains

LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab on Friday issued an alert regarding the ninth and final spell of monsoon rains, which is expected to hit the province between September 12 and 17. A PDMA spokesperson said rainfall is likely in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock from September 12 to 17, while rain is expected in Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib and Sargodha between September 14 and 17. According to him, there is also a possibility of rain in Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and surrounding areas. The PDMA Punjab Director General stated that relevant agencies have been directed to remain alert due to the risk of landslides in Murree, Galyat and other hilly areas. Director General PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa issued instructions to commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert in view of the weather situation, stating that alerts had been issued to all district administrations in accordance with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He directed the administration to ensure that proactive measures were taken in light of the risk of urban flooding caused by monsoon rains in major cities. There is a threat of urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad, along with a risk of flash floods in rainwater drains. The DG PDMA stated that alerts had been issued to all relevant departments, including Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government and Livestock. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the PDMA spokesperson said that water flow in all rivers of Punjab was normal. He said the water situation in the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers was normal, while water flow was also being recorded at normal levels in the riverine areas of Dera Ghazi Khan. The PDMA spokesperson added that water flow in Nala Deg and other drains was also at normal levels. Tarbela Dam was 100 percent full, while Mangla Dam was 78 percent full. PDMA Punjab is continuously monitoring the situation. DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa said that, on the instructions of the Punjab government, flood relief camps had been set up in flood-affected areas, where victims would be provided with shelter, food, clean water, medical facilities and other basic necessities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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