Punjab on alert amid prediction for heavy monsoon rains

LAHORE: In response to the forecast of “moderate to heavy rains” during this year’s monsoon season, the Punjab government has alerted concerned authorities.
The provincial government took action after the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) warned of “above normal rainfall”.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed all concerned departments to be alert following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take measures in the forecast of heavy rains.
Monsoon rains are likely to affect most parts of Punjab from the first week of July, PDMA said. Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Gujranwala divisions are expected to receive between 15 and 55 millimeters of rain. According to the weather advisory, heavy and short rainfall is expected in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions.
Monsoon activity will continue in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore and Faisalabad divisions with 25-35mm of rain expected. Isolated rain is also expected over Multan, DG Khan and Bahawalpur divisions. Rainfall will remain significant over upper Punjab, while rainfall will decrease significantly over central and southern Punjab as the monsoon enters its weak phase.
The council said the aforementioned parts were expected to receive 15-25mm of rain. Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala and Faisalabad divisions may face 50 to 70 mm of inundation due to heavy rains, while mountain flows are expected in DG Khan division. “Moderate to heavy rain” is forecast for Sahiwal, Multan and Bahawalpur divisions.
PDMA also warned that moderate to heavy rains could “increase water flow in local creeks, streams, rivers and cause flooding in vulnerable areas”. He also added that heavy rainfall could trigger mountain flows in vulnerable areas between DG Khan, Rajanpur and Solomon.
It may also lead to urban flooding in vulnerable towns of the state and landslides may occur in some areas of Murree. As a result, dust storms, lightning, and heavy rain can damage freestanding structures such as electric poles, solar panels, warehouses, tall trees, and non-construction buildings.