Second spell of monsoon rains to continue by July 13: PDMA

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a record-breaking monsoon rain in most districts of Punjab, and Lahore received 180mm of rain during a continuous 7-hour spell, causing urban flooding in several areas. DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that all major roads, underpasses, and vulnerable points across the city were swiftly cleared of rainwater. WASA and other district administrations remained active in the field to ensure smooth drainage operations.

The second spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until July 13, with further showers predicted in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions. Authorities have been placed on high alert in compliance with the Punjab Chief Minister's instructions. 

All relevant departments, including WASA, Rescue teams, and local administrations, are working around the clock. 

DG said that citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures during the rainy season. Special instructions were issued to avoid staying in old and poorly constructed houses, as most fatalities have been linked to collapsing structures. 

He added that this year, 36 people have died, and 96 others have been injured due to monsoon-related incidents. According to PDMA data, 42 damaged houses and 4 livestock deaths have been confirmed.  The Punjab government has ensured the best medical care for the injured and announced compensation for the families of the deceased. 

Ali Kathia urged children to stay away from electric poles and wires and stay alert. DG PDMA emphasized that preventive measures can help save lives and property.

Meanwhile, tonight’s weather forecast includes strong winds and thunderstorms across Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern/southern Baluchistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with chances of heavy downpours in some areas. Heavy rain is expected on Friday in Islamabad and its surrounding areas, as well as several regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Bajaur. In Punjab, cities from Rawalpindi and Lahore to Sialkot, Multan, and DG Khan are likely to receive rain. 

Balochistan’s areas such as Quetta, Zhob, Loralai, and Dera Bugti are also on alert for heavy rainfall. Coastal and some central districts of Sindh, including Hyderabad and Khairpur, may also be affected. Meanwhile, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience rain, while hot and humid weather will continue in other parts of Sindh and Balochistan, with a chance of light rain in some areas.