LAHORE: The Punjab government has banned swimming and bathing in all rivers and canals of the province due to the ongoing monsoon season for 30 days.

The Punjab Home Department directed district administrations to enforce the ban and prevent people from engaging in swimming and bathing activities in rivers and canals. Heavy rainfalls during the monsoon have led to increased water levels, making the banks of these water bodies susceptible to erosion.

The Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also issued alerts about the likelihood of floods as a result of the current heavy downpours.

Despite these warnings, individuals in different areas have been observed swimming and bathing in the rivers and canals, putting their lives at risk.

Tragically, numerous fatalities occur each year due to such activities. To prevent loss of human lives and potential drowning emergencies, it is imperative to take preventive measures.

The Punjab government invoked section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898.

Also, the meteorological office has issued a warning about the possibility of flash-flooding of moderate to heavy intensity in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan division and nullahs of Balochistan (Loralai, Kalat, Sibbi, Makran, Nasirabad Divisions) on Wednesday. It has also alerted about flash flooding in

the tributaries of River Kabul after 48 hours.

As per the flood forecasting division of the department, the River Ravi at Balloki and the River Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki are currently flowing in low flood, while the River Indus at Chashma and Taunsa is flowing in medium flood.

Due to the expected heavy rainfall until July 26, there is a risk of landslides and flash flooding in vulnerable areas of Kashmir and Punjab. Major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan, are also at risk of urban flooding.

Rain, wind, and thundershowers are also anticipated in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, and districts of Attock, Chakwal, Narowal, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Okara, Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, Kotaddu, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2023