ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Meteorological Department has predicted the start of the pre-monsoon season from June 22, with rainfall expected to be 25% higher than usual across the country.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that arrangements have been completed to deal with possible flood situations, especially in urban centres and low-lying areas. “We are fully prepared to respond to any emergencies that may arise during the monsoon,” he said.
According to the PDMA, certain cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, may experience up to 60% more rainfall than the seasonal average, raising concerns over urban flooding and waterlogging.
A day earlier, the Met Office said monsoon rains this year are predicted to be 25% above the average, with August likely to witness the highest concentration of rainfall and cloud activity.
Kathia said that all necessary arrangements have been made to deal with the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Punjab. He assured that early warnings would be issued in major cities, including Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, to help minimize damage and ensure public safety.
A special focus was placed on urban flooding and the risk of cloudbursts. The DG PDMA and the chief meteorologist agreed to jointly formulate a comprehensive response plan to manage such extreme weather events.
Heatwave alert issued ahead of monsoon
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a heatwave alert from today until June 22, cautioning residents of south Punjab, Sindh, eastern Balochistan, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take precautionary measures.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, extreme temperatures are likely in Jacobabad, Dadu, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Nawabshah in Sindh, while Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur in south Punjab are also expected to face intense heat.
Other areas at risk include Sibi, Naseerabad, Dera Murad Jamali, and Jaffarabad in Balochistan, along with Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Bannu in KP.
The NDMA has urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, and not leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
