PDMA warns of heavy rainfall

Monsoon spell expected to continue till July 24

LAHORE:

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned that a second spell of monsoon rains will begin on Sunday and is expected to continue until July 24, with heavy downpours forecast across much of the province.

According to the PDMA, widespread rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in most districts, with a likelihood of intense rainfall over short periods during the spell.

Heavy rain is forecast for Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum.

Rain is also expected in Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur.

The authority warned of possible urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad. It also cautioned that local streams, Nullah Lai, water channels in Kashmir, Murree, the Galiyat and northeastern Punjab could experience rising water levels.

The PDMA directed all relevant departments to remain on alert and urged residents to take precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said hot and humid conditions prevailed across most parts of the country over the past 24 hours.