LAHORE: A monsoon rain alert has been issued in Punjab province, with authorities also warning of urban flooding.
The monsoon rains in Punjab are expected to be more than 35% higher compared to last year’s monsoon rains.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), responsible for handling natural disasters, has issued an alert regarding monsoon rains in Punjab.
A notice sent to the administration across Punjab states that this year’s monsoon rains are expected to be up to 35% heavier than usual. Monsoon rains are predicted to start in Punjab from July 1st.
According to the notice, there is a likelihood of 15 to 50 mm of rain in the first week of July, and 25 to 35 mm of rain in the second week. In the third week of July, upper and southern Punjab may experience 15 to 25 mm of rain, while 50 to 70 mm of rain is forecasted for the fourth week.
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PDMA indicates that upper, central, and southern Punjab are expected to receive heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. There is a risk of urban flooding and hill torrents in southern Punjab due to the monsoon rains in July.
In light of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directives, relevant departments have been alerted. DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed the district administration to ensure all precautionary measures are in place before the monsoon rains.
He has also directed that the cleaning of streams and the arrangements for drainage be completed as soon as possible.