Flood Warning in Punjab: More Rain Could Lead to Urban Flooding, Says PDMA

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a new warning of the Punjab monsoon spell that will start today until Aug 12. The Director General of the PDMA, Irfan Khatia, has warned the concerned authorities in lieu of the flood warning in Punjab that might result from the heavy monsoon rains. He has issued advisory notifications to the commissioners, deputy commissioners, the irrigation department, WASA, Rescue 1122, and the civil defence authorities. Thus, in light of the flood warning in Punjab, residents should prepare for possible urban flooding.

All these concerned departments are strictly advised to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to mitigate the affects of the anticipated flood warning in Punjab.

Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Gujrat Divisions are on the radar of the PDMA and might receive heavy monsoon rains. The Director General of PDMA, reported to PTV News, and stated, “The warnings have been issued to farmers to take extra care of their crops, particularly those in low-lying areas, and to take measures to protect their livestock.”

He further said, “We have also alerted the irrigation department to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent breaches in canals and watercourses, and to minimize the risk of flooding in urban and rural areas.” “We request people to avoid traveling to flood-prone areas, and to stay away from nullahs and watercourses. We also request farmers to regularly monitor the weather forecast and take necessary measures to protect their crops and livestock,” he asserted.

It is pertinent to mention here that the general public is advised to follow government guidelines regarding heavy monsoon rains in Punjab and is advised to preferably stay at their homes and in secure locations. They are instructed by the Director General of PDMA to refrain from going towards electricity poles, mountains, and old buildings during this season. Amidst continuous downpours, a flood warning in Punjab has been issued, with emergency services on high alert.

He highlighted the precautionary measures and stated, “A de-watering system has also been established to quickly drain out water from flooded areas. The PDMA has also established a network of emergency response centres, which will provide round-the-clock assistance to affected communities.”

The flood warning in Punjab has prompted increased monitoring of river levels and drainage systems. Irfan Khatia further stated, “We are also working closely with the irrigation department to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent breaches in canals and watercourses. We have identified vulnerable points and are taking measures to reinforce them to prevent flooding.”