Lahore: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for the ninth and final monsoon spell, with rain forecast across most districts of the province from Saturday until September 17.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock from Saturday. Lahore is expected to remain dry and hot during the day, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 36°C.
From Sunday until September 17, rain is forecast in Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib and Sargodha.
Other areas expected to receive rain include Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan, along with surrounding areas.
Punjab PDMA Director General Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert during the spell.
He said there was a risk of landslides in Murree, Galiyat and other mountainous areas, while district administrations had been placed on alert following the directions of the Punjab chief minister.
Administrations in major cities have also been asked to remain on advance alert because of the risk of urban flooding. Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad are among the areas facing a risk of urban flooding, while rain-fed streams could experience flash flooding.
The health, irrigation, communications and works, local government and livestock departments have also been alerted, according to the PDMA.
Jappa urged citizens to take precautions during adverse weather and avoid staying in dilapidated or mud-built houses, noting that house collapses have caused deaths during the monsoon season.
He also advised people to remain in safe places during storms, avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions against lightning.
The public was advised to keep children away from low-lying areas, water, electrical wires and poles, and to avoid open areas during thunderstorms and lightning.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir amid monsoon rains and rising temperatures.
Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang and Neelum Valley have been identified as vulnerable areas.
The public has been advised to monitor weather updates and early warnings and follow instructions issued by district administrations. In emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.
