Punjab on Flood Alert as PDMA Issues Monsoon Fact Sheet

News Desk 

Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a detailed monsoon fact sheet, warning of a heightened flood risk across multiple regions of the province as the fourth spell of monsoon rains continues.

According to the fact sheet released on Friday, widespread rainfall was recorded across Punjab during the past 24 hours, with Multan receiving the heaviest downpour at 117 mm.

Other notable rainfall measurements include 43 mm in Lahore, 37 mm in Sheikhupura, 15 mm in Hafizabad, 13 mm in Okara, and 12 mm in Sahiwal. Rainfall was also reported in Narowal, Sialkot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Toba Tek Singh, and surrounding districts.

The current monsoon spell is expected to persist until July 25, with further rain forecast in most districts, particularly Lahore and Rawalpindi, over the next 24 hours.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned that continued downpours could lead to flooding in rivers and nullahs, especially in vulnerable regions.

Emergency alerts have been dispatched to all district administrations and relevant departments. In the last 12 hours, ten people sustained injuries in rain-related roof collapse incidents.

While no loss of human life has been reported in the past 24 hours, the rains have caused significant damage to livestock — with 121 animals reported dead due to electrocution and roof collapses. Fatalities from lightning and drowning have also been reported in earlier days of the spell.

Authorities have assured that financial aid is being extended to the affected families, and compensation for crop and livestock losses is underway.

On the water reserves front, Mangla Dam is currently at 54% capacity, while Tarbela stands at 79%. Indian dams, by comparison, are at 36% capacity.

A low-level flood is being observed in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Tarbela, with a medium-level flood reported at Chashma and Taunsa. Rivers Chenab, Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej are maintaining normal flow levels.

The PDMA emphasized that round-the-clock monitoring is in place via its Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centers. With heavy rainfall expected to continue, the risk of urban flooding remains high in cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot.

To prevent accidents, the provincial government has imposed a complete ban on swimming or bathing in rivers, canals, and stormwater drains. Citizens have been warned that violators will face strict legal action.

The public has also been urged to stay indoors during extreme weather, avoid contact with electrical poles and wires, and not to occupy structurally unsafe buildings.

In case of emergencies, residents are advised to contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.