PDMA issues flood alert in Punjab

Authority fears India may release water in Ravi, Sutlej rivers

LAHORE:

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab on Wednesday issued a flood alert in the province, fearing the possibility of India releasing water in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers.

Its spokesperson warned that there was a risk of very high level of flooding in Jhelum, Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers from July 8 to 10.

The PDMA issued a high alert to all provincial departments, including the deputy commissioners, of Punjab.

The spokesperson added that all departments should complete the arrangements immediately to tackle any situation.

The authority has predicted that rains were likely to continue in various cities of Punjab till June 8.

Earlier, it forecast a possibility of floods in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan Division from July 6 to 8.

The PDMA warned that urban flooding was expected in the low-lying areas of Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala till July 7.

There was also a risk of landslides in Murree, it added.

PDMA Director General Imran Qureshi ordered deputy commissioners and other officers to go to the field and supervise the drainage teams themselves.

He continued that all institutions should keep arrangements in place and be prepared to deal with emergency situations.

The PDMA DG directed the district administrations, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), municipal committees and other institutions, including the irrigation department, to keep their machinery and staff ready at all times.

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Qureshi said people living in settlements near rivers should be moved to safer places.

He continued that the removal of encroachments on water passages should be ensured.

The PDMA DG said District Emergency Operation Centres and other institutions should ensure timely reporting of the situation.

Qureshi also urged passengers to remain aware of the weather conditions.

He warned that weak infrastructure could be damaged by strong winds and rains.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a red alert, warning of heavy rainfall in various areas of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

The department has cautioned that these rains may result in urban flooding in low-lying regions, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Kohat, Peshawar, Bannu, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan.

Additionally, the department warned that there was a potential risk of landslides in susceptible areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and hilly regions of K-P. These weather conditions are expected to persist from the July 6 to 8.

The heavy rainfall may lead to flash floods in hill torrents and local nullas of Kashmir, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Barkhan, Zhob, Loralai, Qilla Saifullah and Musa Khel during this period.

The PMD advised residents in the areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.