PDMA warns of ‘Urban Flooding’ ahead of monsoon season in Punjab

LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an urban flooding alert ahead of the monsoon season in Punjab and predicted 35 percent more rainfall than normal in July.

PDMA has sent a letter to the provincial administration regarding flood alerts as heavy rains may lead to flooding in Rawalpindi, Labore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad Divisions in the 4th week of July.

According to the Met Office, heavy rain spells are anticipated in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala Divisions. While intensity and duration of rains are expected to be comparatively lower in Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur Divisions.

During the second week of July, monsoon activity will persist in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, and Faisalabad Divisions. Isolated rains/showers are expected in Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur Divisions.

In the next week, monsoon showers will remain significant in Upper Punjab, while there will be a noticeable decrease in rain activity in Central and South Punjab as monsoon will enter a strong phase which may lead to urban flooding in several divisions.

According to the PDMA, moderate to very heavy rains may increase the water flows in local nullahs/streams causing riverine flash flooding in vulnerable areas.

Moderate to very heavy rains may trigger Hill Torrents in vulnerable areas of DG Khan, Rajanpur, and along the Suleman range, PDMA said in a weather advisory.

Furthermore, the moderate to very heavy rain may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree. Dust storms/wind thunderstorms and heavy falls may cause damage to loose structures such as electrical poles, solar panels, hoardings, tall trees, and under-construction buildings.

PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged the administration to ensure precautionary measures are in place before the rains begin. He emphasized the importance of cleaning waterways and completing drainage arrangements promptly.