Heavy rains forecast across Punjab, flash flood warning for Pothohar

Lahore: With forecasts of more rainfall across most districts of Punjab, there is a risk of flash flooding in the Pothohar region.

According to the spokesperson for the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), starting today, heavy rains are expected in most districts of Punjab as part of the seventh spell of the monsoon, and this rainy spell may continue until August 23.

The PDMA spokesperson stated that there are chances of cloudbursts in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock. Heavy rains are also expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, and Jhang.

In addition, rain is also expected in Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, Lodhran, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Layyah.

Meanwhile, PDMA has warned of possible flash flooding in the Pothohar region due to expected torrential rains. Authorities have been directed to arrest and take legal action against individuals bathing in Rawalpindi's Nullah Lai.

In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, rescue officials have been instructed to remain on high alert due to the risk of urban flooding caused by heavy rain. Rescue workers have been deployed around Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas.

Authorities have appealed to the public to ensure that children are kept away from Nullah Lai and electric poles, to relocate to safer areas before urban flooding, to avoid standing under weak or dilapidated roofs during the rain, and to refrain from crossing streams and drains during rainfall.

According to the Director General of PDMA, rainfall in the upper areas may lead to an increase in river water flow. Due to the rain, the flow in rivers such as the Indus, Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab could rise significantly.

The DG PDMA reported that there is a moderate flood at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa, while a low-level flood is present at Tarbela. In the Sutlej River, a low-level flood is also observed at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki.