PMD issues heavy rains alert for Punjab

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the concerned authorities to be on their toes as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issues rain alert for Punjab.

According to the met office’s alert, a spell of rainfall is expected in Punjab till April 29 in various cities including Lahore, which would receive moderate to heavy rains from April 26 to 29.

“Rain-wind/thunderstorm (few moderate/ heavy falls) is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Pakpattan and Sahiwal.

“While, in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar rain is expected with occasional gaps from April 26 to 28. Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the period,” the PMD had said.

CM Punjab issued instructions for taking measures in advance on the forecast of heavy rains in the province.

She directed the commissioners, deputy commissioners and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) managing director to remain active for the drainage of rainwater.

“All necessary steps should be taken to keep the traffic flowing in Lahore and the other cities. The traffic wardens should actively perform duties in the field to help citizens,” she ordered in a bid to ensure easy flow of vehicular traffic during and after rains.

The chief minister instructed rescue services agencies to take immediate safety measures to make sure that the people from low-lying areas were timely transferred to safe places.