LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday forecast the sixth spell of monsoon rains in Punjab from Thursday (today).

Rains were predicted in various districts of the province from Aug 1 to 6. Most of the districts of south Punjab are likely to face strong winds and thundershowers during the period.

Monsoon rains are expected in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal and Gujarat divisions. An alert has been issued to the administration.

PDMA spokesperson said the water level in rivers, dams, and streams was rising due to the monsoon rains.

He said the river Indus was in low flood at Tarbela and Kalabagh and there could be a moderate to high-level flooding in the river Jhelum at Mangla from Aug 1 to 4.

He said the rain spell would continue until Aug 4 and arrangements had been completed in vulnerable districts in view of potential flood threats.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the commissioners, DCs, Wasa, Irrigation Department, Rescue, Civil Defence and other relevant departments should remain alert and complete advance arrangements. He said the situation was being monitored 24 hours at the PDMA control room.

Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management held a meeting at the PDMA head office to focus on flood preparedness and river erosion.

Punjab Minister for Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khwaja Salman Rafique chaired the meeting.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia presented a 10-point agenda, including the provision of funds to deputy commissioners (DCs) across all districts for relief and rescue operations. The agenda also reviewed the procurement of tents in line with the NDMA guidelines and examined plans for schemes to prevent river erosion.

DCs of Narowal, Gujranwala, Layyah, and DG Khan attended the meeting via video link.

Officers from the departments of Irrigation, Local Government, Housing and Urban Development, Livestock, Emergency Services, and Special Branch also participated in the meeting.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2024