Rain, thunderstorm alert issued

PDMA warns of risk to crops, weak infrastructure

LAHORE:

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning that intermittent rains accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms are likely in the province till March 31.

PDMA Director General Imran Qureshi issued the warning citing the meteorological department’s forecast about the weather conditions.

He said in a statement that westerly winds
would enter the western regions of the country on Tuesday and remain until March 31.

The cities likely to witness rain and thunderstorms during the period include Lahore, Khushab, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Khanewal, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

He also warned of heavy rains and hail in some places, which could cause severe damage to standing crops, particularly wheat, and weak infrastructure. “Farmers should take precautions keeping in view the weather forecast,” he said.

The PDMA stated that the heavy rain could also cause flooding in the hilly areas of DG Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2023.