UN report maps trail of monsoon havoc

LAHORE:

The United Nations has highlighted the damages caused by monsoon rains in Pakistan that led authorities to declare disaster zones across parts of Punjab where lethal cloudbursts and flash floods killed dozens in a single day.

In a report published on its website, the UN said the unfolding crisis – rising rivers, forecasts of further downpours, fragile rural homes collapsing and transport links severed – has revived stark memories of the catastrophic 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country and affected more than 33 million people.

With the skies preparing to open for another round of torrential monsoon rains, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday issued a flood pre-alert across the province, warning of a looming deluge in all major rivers and their tributaries.

At the national level, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued a countrywide flood alert from July 19 to 25, warning of flash floods and landslides in multiple regions.

In Punjab, authorities anticipate a potentially critical flood situation beginning July 21, with the risk peaking on July 22, particularly in low-lying areas along the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej and Indus rivers.

The floods loom as the province is also already reeling from heavy downpours, with at least 123 people having lost their lives and 462 having been injured in weather-related incidents across the province in the current monsoon season, which also saw damage to more than 150 buildings.

Citing unusual rises in water levels, PDMA spokespersons said a province-wide alert has been issued to all commissioners and deputy commissioners.

The disaster management authority directed a swift pre-emptive action, with Rescue 1122 instructed to complete all necessary arrangements without delay.

A high-alert status has also been declared for all relevant provincial departments, including local government, agriculture, irrigation, health, forest, livestock and transport.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has urged all administrative bodies to remain vigilant.

"In line with the chief minister's instructions, all emergency protocols must be in place in advance," he said, adding that emergency control rooms should remain staffed and active around the clock.

Fourth spell of monsoon

Meanwhile, the PDMA has also forecast the fourth spell of monsoon rains to begin on July 20, continuing through July 25. Widespread showers and windstorms are expected across most districts of Punjab.

The areas likely to experience significant rainfall include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Multan.

According to the PDMA, the rivers are already showing signs of distress. The Indus at Tarbela and Kalabagh is at low flood, while a medium-level flood has been recorded at Chashma, with the threat of a high-level flood developing.