Punjab on High Alert as Ninth Spell of Monsoon Rains Begins

LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert as the ninth spell of monsoon rains begins across the province. Heavy rainfall is expected in northern and upper districts until September 2, raising the risk of flooding, urban inundation, and landslides in mountainous areas.

According to PDMA officials, torrential rains will hit Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum, while Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Sialkot are also expected to receive heavy rainfall. Other districts on alert include Narowal, Hafizabad, Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali. In southern Punjab, Multan, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan are likely to be affected.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said that commissioners and deputy commissioners have been instructed to remain on standby. He added that emergency measures are in place as the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers are already at very high flood levels.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert for August 29 to September 2, warning of widespread heavy rains. The advisory highlights the risks of flash floods in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions.

The Met Office has forecast thunderstorms in Islamabad early next week, while Lahore and Sialkot are likely to see their heaviest rainfall on Sunday and Monday. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, residents of Malakand and Hazara divisions have been warned of landslides. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will also see heavy rains. In Sindh, including Karachi, urban flooding is expected between August 30 and September 2, while Balochistan faces a similar threat.

Authorities have instructed district administrations and rescue agencies to prepare for emergency relief and evacuation operations. Citizens have been advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during rains.

• Stay away from riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.

• Follow official safety guidelines.

Pakistan is already struggling with the impact of earlier monsoon rains this season, which have displaced thousands and caused serious damage to infrastructure and crops across several provinces.