NDMA issues alert in wake of forecast of torrential rains in Punjab

In view of prediction of heavy monsoon showers in different parts of Punjab and southern Sindh, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued an alert for people and the concerned departments, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The NDMA said that flooding was expected in different cities of Punjab since moist currents from the Arabian Sea were continuously entering the eastern and southern parts of the country.

It said that rains had been forecast for Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore and Okara.

Similarly, the Authority said that there was also a prediction of rains in Kasur, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzzafargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

It said that torrential rains were likely in Murree, Galyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Hafizabad at nighttime.

The NDMA said that there were fears of urban flooding in north-eastern parts of Punjab.

Hence, in view of that, people living in low-lying areas are advised to make roofs and windows of their homes waterproof.  

Similarly, they should also take special measures to prevent the accumulation of rainwater in front of their houses by ensuring the drainage of water at the earliest. “Please also save weak structures that could fall prey to strong winds and downpours,” the Authority said, adding, “People are also advised not to walk, swim or drive when the water is in high flood.”

Likewise, it asked people to find alternate routes to get to their destinations in the event of inundation of their routine routes, stay away from manholes, remain aware of roadblocks and speed breakers.  

The NDMA also asked people to make sure that their electric appliances remained unplugged during the inclement weather.

Reporter: Rozina Ali