ISLAMABAD: Rain started in Islamabad on Monday as clouds and strong winds swept the city, marking the beginning of another round of monsoon showers across parts of the country.
Authorities had earlier forecast that fresh rains would begin from July 21, with several weather apps also showing similar predictions. The current spell is expected to continue in Islamabad and Rawalpindi over the coming days.
Many residents, especially daily commuters, have expressed concern about travel disruptions. Just last week, heavy rains had left roads waterlogged across the twin cities, with many struggling to leave their homes due to flooded streets.
The intense rainfall also caused damage to several roads in both cities, adding to the worries as the new spell sets in.
PDMA issues flood alert for Punjab rivers
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood alert for the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, warning of possible medium to high-level flooding between July 21 and 23 due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi.
Separately, increased water flow is expected in River Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala from July 22 to 24, according to PDMA.
The authority said the fourth spell of monsoon rains is likely to continue across the province until July 25.
In a statement, PDMA spokesperson said that alerts have been issued to the commissioners of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Sahiwal, and Bahawalpur divisions.
Deputy commissioners in Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Okara, Toba Tek Singh, and other districts have also been directed to remain on alert.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed Rescue 1122 to complete all necessary preparations in advance. Alerts have also been issued to departments including Local Government, Agriculture, Irrigation, Health, Forest, Livestock, and Transport.
The DG said that, in line with the Punjab Chief Minister’s directives, all preparations should be completed proactively, and emergency control room staff must remain on alert.
Rescue 1122’s disaster response teams have been placed on high alert, and instructions have been given to maintain adequate stock of petrol and diesel to support rescue operations.
DG Kathia also stressed the need to keep the public informed at all times, ensure the evacuation of people and livestock from riverbeds, and make adequate arrangements at flood relief camps, including food, clean drinking water, and other essential facilities.
