LAHORE: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rain in more than 30 districts of Punjab over the next 24 hours, prompting alerts from various government agencies.

The PMD’s prediction includes rain-windstorms and thundershowers in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and other parts of Punjab on Monday.

Intermittent rain-wind/thundershower is also expected in Kashmir, with isolated heavy falls anticipated in Kashmir, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan during this period.

Over the past 24 hours, rain and thunderstorms have occurred in various locations, with widespread rainfall in Rahim Yar Khan, scattered showers in Mandi Bahauddin and Khanpur, and isolated downpours in Kashmir, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Jhelum, Gujrat, Chakwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sialkot, Layyah, Narowal, Mangla, Rawalpindi, Khushab, Kot Addu and Lahore.

In response to the forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert across the affected districts and instructed deputy commissioners to remain vigilant and ensure that all relevant departments are prepared to handle emergencies.

The PDMA has also warned of high to very high flood levels in hilly areas, noting that water flow is increasing due to continuous rain in the mountainous regions of Mount Suleiman.

The Dera Ghazi Khan administration has been told to maintain emergency control rooms and keep disaster response teams from Rescue 1122 on high alert.

In light of the upcoming rains, Wasa and the Parks and Horticulture Authority have devised a joint strategy in Lahore.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2024