LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday predicted a fresh spell of monsoon rains across the province from Aug 9 to 12.

The authority issued an alert stating that the new spell will start on Aug 9 (today) in Punjab and will continue till Aug 12.

It reported that most of the districts of south Punjab are likely to experience wind and thundershowers during Aug 10 and 11. Monsoon rains are expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sahiwal and Gujrat divisions.

The authority also reported monsoon rains in most districts of Punjab in the next 24 hours. Due to the rains, the water level in the rivers, dams and canals is increasing.

In the last 24 hours, Rawalpindi received 88 mm, Gujranwala 17mm, Bahawalnagar, Kasur 11mm and Sheikhupura 17mm rain. The low-to-medium flood in the Indus River is expected to persist for the next few days.

An alert has been issued regarding the flood situation in the Indus. There is a risk of flooding in nullahs connected to the Chenab and the Ravi. The Sialkot nullah has a high-flood level.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said an alert has been issued to the respective administrations across the province regarding the weather situation.

He said the departments were alerted to complete arrangements in view of the fear of urban flooding.

The DG also issued instructions to the commissioners, DCs, Wasa, irrigation department, rescue 1122, civil defence and other agencies to remain alert.

He further said that the situation is being monitored 24 hours a day in the PDMA control room.

The DG also issued instructions to the Sialkot administration to be alert.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) informed that strong monsoon currents are likely to penetrate from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in upper/central parts from Aug 9.

Rain wind/thundershower (with scattered heavy falls) are expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab and Sargodha from Aug 9 to 12 with occasional gaps.

Rain-wind/thundershower (with isolated heavy falls) is expected in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bhakkar and Mianwali, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Layyah on 10th (evening/night) and 11th with occasional gaps.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2024