PDMA issues alert after Met Office predicts rains for Punjab cities

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday put the district administrations across Punjab on an alert after the weather department forecast thundershowers accompanied by strong winds for most districts of the province from tomorrow (September 26) until October 1, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

The Met Office said that rains were expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Sialkot and Hafizabad during the aforementioned period.

The office said rains were also likely in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sab, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur and Bhakkar from Friday until October 1.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia said that the situation was being monitored from the Authority’s Control Room 24/7.

He directed the rescue departments to keep their personnel as well as machinery ready in order to deal with any eventuality. “Ensure the drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas at the earliest,” he said in the alert.

He also urged people to stay away from electricity poles and live wires hanging from these poles. “Similarly people should also keep a distance from weak structures.”

Kathia asked people not to let their kids go near the water accumulated in low-lying areas. “People can contact on PDMA helpline 1129 in case of an emergency,” he informed.