The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday urged the district administrations and the concerned departments to take precautionary measures as the seventh spell of the monsoon rains was likely to hit the Punjab from today (August 13), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The spokesman for the PDMA said that the seventh spell was stronger than the preceding ones.
He further said that under the impact of the weather system, heavy rains were expected in the upper parts of the Punjab from August 13 to August 17, adding that the system would then produce rains in most of the districts of the province from August 18 to August 21.
The spokesman elaborated that thundershowers were likely to lash Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran and Rajanpur during the aforementioned period.
He warned that there could be urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot.
On the other hand, PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia said that since flash flooding was feared in nullahs and streams, therefore, the Civil Defence, Rescue 1122 and other concerned departments should complete their arrangements to deal with any emergency.
He directed the staff at emergency control rooms to remain on their toes. “Disaster Response Teams of the Rescue 1122 should also remain alert.”
The PDMA DG also urged people to take precautionary measures. “Landslides are feared in Murree and Galyat,” he said, adding, “Rains can also cause damage to weak structures; so, stay away from such buildings.”
He also advised tourists to avoid travelling to mountainous areas during the inclement weather. “People should also not cross streams and nullahs in case of urban or flash flooding,” Kathia said, adding, “Dial PDMA helpline number 1129 in the event of an emergency.”
Bridge collapses in Narowal
Also on Wednesday, the administration closed the Hanjli Bridge built over Nullah Daik in Narowal for traffic from both sides after it collapsed.
Red-coloured flags were placed on both sides of the bridge to prevent the people from crossing it, while the district administration, Rescue 1122 and the police personnel were also present at the site.
Reporter: Yasir Arafat