PDMA warns of flooding in Punjab rivers as monsoon rains intensify

Warns of rising river levels from July 20-24, with flash floods and urban flooding expected across cities in Punjab

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday warned of an increased flood risk across Punjab as a strong monsoon spell, coupled with an approaching westerly wave, was expected to affect the catchments of major rivers from July 20 to 24.

According to a PDMA advisory, water flows in the province's rivers were expected to rise significantly during the period.

"Low to medium flooding is likely within the next 24 hours in the Chenab River at Marala and the Ravi River at Jassar, while high flood levels are expected in the Chenab at Marala and the Jhelum upstream of Mangla between July 20 and 24," it said.

The authority also warned of high flows in the Kabul River and its tributaries, and in several nullahs linked to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi river systems, including Dora, Dotta, Dowara, Bhimber, Halsi, Aik, Palkhu, Bein, Basanter, Deg and Sakki.

Read: PMD warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides across Pakistan from July 18-25

"Flash flooding is expected in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, while urban flooding may occur in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Faisalabad," PDMA added.

The PDMA has placed commissioners, deputy commissioners, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials, Rescue 1122 and the Local Government, Agriculture, Irrigation, Health, Forest, Livestock and Transport departments on alert.

PDMA Director General Umar Abbas Mehla directed district administrations to complete precautionary arrangements in line with the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He ordered round-the-clock staffing at emergency control rooms, deployment of Rescue 1122 disaster response teams, and adequate fuel stocks for rescue operations.

"District administrations have also been directed to strengthen coordination with the PDMA and other departments, issue timely public safety and evacuation advisories, prepare for urban flooding, clear drainage systems, pre-position heavy machinery at vulnerable locations, and deploy additional personnel and resources in high-risk areas. The Motorway Police have been asked to issue regular traffic advisories and road condition updates," it added.

Authorities have further been instructed to ensure the evacuation of people and livestock from riverbeds where necessary, establish flood relief camps with food, clean drinking water and other essential facilities, and keep the public informed of the evolving situation.

The PDMA urged residents to follow official safety advisories, cooperate with authorities in the event of evacuation, and contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of an emergency.