Five-day rain spell puts Punjab, K-P on alert

LAHORE/ PESHAWAR:

More rain and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds and occasional heavy falls, are expected across the upper and central parts of the country from Aug 17 to 21, as the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned on Sunday of possible urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The PDMA, citing the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), said monsoon currents were continuing to penetrate the upper parts of the country and were expected to persist over the coming days.

A westerly wave was also likely to enter the upper parts of the country on Aug 17.

According to the PDMA's advisory, several parts of Punjab are expected to receive rain and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds and isolated heavy falls, from Aug 16 to 21, with occasional breaks.

The areas likely to be affected include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal.

Meanwhile, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan are also expected to receive rain and thundershowers on Aug 20 and 21.

The PDMA warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore from Aug 17 to 20. Vulnerable areas of Murree and Galyat could also experience landslides during the forecast period.

"Tourists and travellers are advised to remain cautious during the forecast period," it said, urging farmers to plan crop-related activities according to the weather conditions and take necessary care of their livestock.

The PDMA also issued guidelines to district administrations, directing them to ensure preparedness and formulate effective risk-mitigation plans.

District authorities were directed to ensure sufficient staffing round the clock for effective coordination and response, and to coordinate with the PDMA and all relevant departments to ensure a unified and prompt response.

They were further directed to ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of information about safety measures and evacuation plans through electronic and social media.

The PDMA also advised authorities to ensure the timely desilting and clearance of all drains and to pre-position heavy earth-moving machinery at choke points to facilitate a rapid response.

"Motorway Police shall ensure regular traffic advisories, timely updates on road conditions and guidance to travellers for safe travel," it said, advising the deployment of additional staff and resources in high-risk areas.

It further directed Rescue 1122 to remain on alert and ensure the pre-positioning of search-and-rescue teams and necessary equipment.

K-P braces for five-day heavy rain spell

Similarly, the K-P PDMA also issued a weather alert following a forecast by the Meteorological Department of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across K-P from August 17 to 21.

The forecast indicates widespread severe weather during the five days across northern, central and southern districts, with Chitral (Upper and Lower), Dir (Upper and Lower), Swat, Buner, Shangla, Malakand, Bajaur, Kohistan (Upper and Lower), Kolai Palas, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu and Orakzai among the areas expected to be affected.

Downpours are also expected in Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, D.I. Khan, Tank and Waziristan (North and South) between August 20 and 21.

In response to the early warnings, Director General of Rescue 1122 Shah Fahad urged the public to take strict safety precautions, particularly advising citizens to refrain from swimming in rivers and streams or undertaking unnecessary travel, hiking and trekking due to heightened landslide risks.

Authorities advised people to keep away from power poles, signboards, steep terrain and unfinished structures during storms, while also cautioning women against crossing flooded areas or bridges.