Weather experts set alarm bells ringing

As weather experts have set the alarm bells ringing the disaster management authority has issued an alert.

On the 13th and 14th of June, strong wind, storm and rain will hit the Punjab capital Lahore and its suburbs.

The authority has asked the departments concerned to stay on high alert as experts have foreseen bad weather from June 13.

During June 13th and 14th, the weather will be choppy around the sea and rivers. Farmers have been put on high alert while fishermen have been instructed to stay away from sea areas and rivers.

The Meteorology Department said that a new series of strong winds and heavy rain is likely to hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from tomorrow.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a circular putting on high alert all the departments concerned.

The PDMA asked the authorities concerned to brace for the situation likely to emerge after the bad weather.

Necessary instructions have been passed to the farmers of sensitive districts, stressing the growers should make proper arrangements for their activities while keeping in view the forecast.

Standing crops may be threatened by strong winds/hailstorms, and storm drains should be monitored, the PDMA advised, adding that dissemination of advisory to tourists and local communities must be made in sensitive areas and the messages must be delivered in local languages.

Alternative routes should be provided for traffic to avoid road closure and passengers should be warned in advance on provincial and national highways in sensitive areas, the advisory stressed.

The PDMA DG insisted the availability of emergency services personnel must the ensured and people must stay away from power lines, dilapidated structures and billboards during the storm.

The authority head stressed the need for ensuring the availability of basic commodities, medicines and medics in the prone areas while tourists should be informed about the weather situation.

As the rainy spell is likely to continue intermittently till June 18, the PDMA's Emergency Operation Center will be operational fully and the helpline 1700 might be contacted for information and guidance.