Eighth monsoon spell to lash Punjab from 29th: PDMA

LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued an alert for the eighth spell of monsoon rains, forecasting rainfall across most districts of the province from August 29 to September 5, with risks of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. According to the PDMA, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Gujrat, while heavy rainfall is likely in Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan. The authority warned of a risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot, while landslides could occur in Murree, Galiat and other mountainous areas. DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa said that commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province had been directed to remain alert and complete all necessary arrangements in advance. He directed the district administrations and relevant departments to take preventive measures against urban flooding in major cities and ensure that storm drains remain functional, as flash flooding could occur in drainage channels during heavy rainfall. The DG said alerts had also been issued to the health, irrigation, communication and works, local government and livestock departments to ensure preparedness and coordinated response during the monsoon spell. Meanwhile, the PDMA reported that the water flow in all major rivers of Punjab was currently normal. Water levels in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers were within normal limits, while water flow in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan was also being recorded as usual. A low-level flood situation, however, was reported at Nala Palkho in Wazirabad, where the discharge stood at 2, 800 cusecs. Tarbela Dam was 100 percent full, while Mangla Dam was 75 percent full. The PDMA said it was continuously monitoring the situation. Jappa said that, on the instructions of the Punjab government, flood relief camps had been established in affected areas to provide shelter, food, clean drinking water, medical facilities and other basic necessities to affected people. The DG appealed to citizens to take maximum precaution during the forecast period and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, windstorms and thunderstorms. He advised people to stay at safe locations during strong winds and storms and avoid going outdoors during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning strikes. He also urged citizens not to live in dilapidated or unsafe buildings, noting that collapses of poorly maintained structures had caused fatalities during previous monsoon spells. Parents were advised to take special care of children and keep them away from accumulated rainwater in low-lying areas, rivers, canals, streams, storm drains and areas near electricity poles and exposed wires. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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