PMD warns of urban flooding and rising rivers as Punjab reviews bunds, relief camps and emergency plans
A traffic police officer diverts traffic as heavy monsoon rains lash Lahore for the second day. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted a heavy monsoon period from July 29 that may affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the upper catchments of rivers.
The weather department said there was no likelihood of flood-producing rainfall until July 28, but a strong monsoon system was expected to begin on July 29, potentially triggering urban flooding and rising water levels in hill streams and nullahs.
The Flood Forecasting Division said the overall river situation remained under control even as water flows had risen at Marala on the Chenab and Balloki on the Ravi. The Indus, Jhelum and Kabul rivers experienced shallow flooding, it said.
The PMD said the water level in Chenab and Ravi was expected to rise further during the next 24 hours, while the Indus is likely to remain in a low-level flood situation during the following 48 hours.
Rain is expected to continue in Lahore and several other parts of Punjab. During the last 24 hours, Noorpur Thal received 115 millimeters of rain, followed by Gujranwala with 107 mm and Gujrat with 94 mm.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning swimming, bathing and unauthorized boating at various water bodies during the ongoing monsoon conditions.
The Punjab Home Ministry has issued a notification imposing the restrictions for 60 days.
According to the notification, it is forbidden to bathe in accumulated rainwater in open spaces and public places. Swimming in dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes has also been banned.
Unauthorized navigation in dams, rivers, canals and distribution canals has also been banned under the restrictions.
The Home Office said the measures had been imposed under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, in view of the prevailing weather conditions and the risk of accidents, to protect human life.
The home secretary directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the notification. The authorities were also instructed to launch a comprehensive public information campaign regarding the restrictions.
Separately, Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Mela visited Ferozwala tehsil and Muridke to review shelterbelts, affected villages, inundated areas and flood camps after the recent monsoon rains.
During the visit, the Mela was briefed on restoration of protective embankments, sealing of cracks, control of water flows, urban flooding, drainage and other emergency measures.
He directed the relevant departments to speed up the repairs of protective embankments and drainage operations to help restore normal life in affected areas.
Read more: At least 11 died in last 24 hours in rain-related incidents nationwide: NDMA
Mela also visited affected villages and flooded areas, met residents and reviewed their problems. He inspected flood relief camps and reviewed facilities provided to affected families and directed the authorities to ensure uninterrupted supplies of food, clean drinking water, medicine and other basic necessities.
The PDMA chief reviewed relief activities being carried out by the district administration, Rescue 1122, Irrigation Department and other relevant institutions and directed them to improve coordination and communication.
He said that protection of people’s lives and property was the top priority of the Punjab government and directed all relevant institutions to remain fully alert and ensure uninterrupted relief and rehabilitation activities in affected areas.
Mela warned that negligence or lapses in security arrangements would not be tolerated. He directed the authorities to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas and ensure special arrangements for the safe evacuation of women, children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups.
He also ordered authorities to keep relief camps, rescue equipment, boats, personnel and evacuation plans operational in line with the needs of vulnerable villages.
Mela said advance arrangements had been made as per the Chief Minister’s instructions and all relevant institutions, including district administrations, were prepared to deal with emergency situations.
The Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122 and other relevant officials were also present during the visit.
