PDMA Issues Rain Alert for Ashura Across Punjab

News Desk

Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a weather alert predicting heavy rainfall on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) in several districts of the province.

According to the advisory, cities likely to receive significant rain include Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, and Faisalabad.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has directed all district administrations to take immediate precautionary measures to ensure public safety, particularly during Muharram processions. He emphasized that, under instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all relevant departments must remain on high alert.

District Emergency Operation Centers (DEOCs) have been ordered to operate round the clock, while coordination with WASA and other agencies is to be strengthened to manage potential rain-related emergencies. The PDMA also instructed the clearing of drainage systems and the deployment of extra personnel and machinery in low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Rescue 1122 has been placed on high alert, and Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams are being pre-positioned with necessary equipment.

The second wave of the monsoon is expected to continue until July 10, potentially raising water levels in rivers and streams across Punjab.

In case of emergency, citizens are advised to contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.