LAHORE : The fifth spell of monsoon rains is set to begin in Punjab on July 28 and continue until July 31, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).Widespread rainfall is expected across most districts of the province. The PDMA spokesperson has warned of potential urban and flash flooding, landslides in hilly areas, and damage to weak or poorly constructed buildings.
Rain is forecast in the following areas: Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Okara.Between July 29 and 31, rain is also expected in Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, and Rajanpur.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain on high alert. Emergency control rooms and Rescue 1122 disaster response teams have also been placed on high alert to deal with any emergencies.He noted that the province has recorded 73 percent more rainfall this year compared to the same period last year, and urged all relevant departments to be fully prepared.