Pakistan stiffens for a change in the weather, as heavy rain is expected in the coming days, with authorities warning of potential floods in some regions. Director-General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Irfan Ali Kathia, issued a detailed orientation on the current weather and flood situation.
“From the 5th this month, rain is expected from Rawalpindi to Lahore, and it can be heavy,” said DG Irfan Ali Kathia.
Light rain is expected in various districts in Punjab on Saturday (today), while southern Punjab is also likely to see rain on Sunday (tomorrow), an average of 10-15 mm. “Tomorrow the intensity of rain will be more than today’s, on average 30-35 mm.”
Read: Floods claim 1,006 lives, including 275 children
Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that rainfall on October 6 will be heavier in northern, northeast and central Punjab, with 50-70 mm expected, while showers on October 7 could be even more intense. “Residents of vulnerable areas must remain aware and take precautions,” Kathia called.
Light resources have already released relief to cities such as Lahore, while the Potohar region and the northeast Punjab – including Rawalpindi, Murree, Chakwal and Gujrat – are expected to see intermittent rain and thunderstorms until October 7. Meteorologists predict alternative hot, dry spells and sudden bursts of rain through the beginning of October.
Rawal Pindi and Islamabad experienced their first heavy winter rain on October 3, ending a six -week dry spell and broke the intense heat and moisture. “The sudden chill caused the residents to bring out warm clothes and blankets,” said a local resident. Streets saw motorcyclists wearing jerseys, and suppliers quickly created booths that sold winter favorites such as peanuts and toasted chickpeas.
Rising waters raising the flooding alarm
The floods continue to affect 27 districts across the country. Punjab’s recent floods affected 4,795 villages in 28 districts that affected over 407,000 people and forced the evacuation of more than 612,800 inhabitants along with 2 million animals.
Everywhere in South Punjab, 331 Relief Camps houses about 106,000 people, supported by 425 medical camps and mobile clinics.
The floods damaged 2.58 million hectares of agricultural land, where Gujrat and Faisalabad suffer from the worst crops, including significant damage to corn, rice, sugar cane and cotton.
At the head Marala, the Chenab River carries 20,000 CUSERCS, with an additional 100,000 CUSCS, expected from India for the next 48 hours due to upstream of the silt-flush operations at Dulhasti.
Marala’s current outflow is 23,000 CUSERCS, while the Mangla Dam reports the high water level. Sutlej can receive 50,000 CUSSCS from India and could release 35,000 CUSCS in the Ravi River.
PDMA -teams actively examine affected areas. “Currently, 11,500 employees in 27 districts are engaged, including officers from the Pakistani army and local administrations,” Kathia said.
Read more: Rain brings relief to Lahore
A total of 2,213 teams make soil assessments, monitored in real time through an online dashboard. Studies in 69 Tehsils are expected to be completed by October 27.
To support flood victims, the Bank of Punjab booths are created in all tehsils. Following the distribution of relief cards, 50,000 people have already received immediate help. In collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), PDMA has launched a platform to tackle study -related complaints, ensuring decision within seven days.
“The current floods have caused greater damage than all past events, including loss of homes, livestock and life,” said DG Irfan Ali Kathia. Over the past 15 years, RS51 billion has been delivered to flooded communities.
Pakistan has witnessed significant flooding events in recent years. In 2010, over 350,000 people were affected; In 2012, 38,196 people; And in 2014, more than 359,000 distributed with RS14 billion. By 2022, 56,000 people were affected and RS10 billion was paid out.
