Monsoon rains set to intensify
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), heavy rainfall is expected in various districts of northern, central, and South Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sialkot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar.
The PDMA has warned of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas due to drainage overload. "The monsoon system may cause flooding in Punjab's rivers and streams," said PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia. He added that water levels in the Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, and Jhelum rivers could rise significantly during this period.
The Indus River is already experiencing a medium-level flood at Taunsa Barrage, where water flow has reached 410,000 cusecs. Low-level floods are also being reported at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.
The Punjab chief minister has ordered all district administrations to remain on high alert. Deputy commissioners have been directed to stay in the field and enforce Section 144 to restrict risky public movement around rivers and drains. Police have been instructed to increase patrolling near water bodies.
Municipal bodies, WASA, and Rescue 1122 have been placed on standby, with orders to ensure immediate drainage from low-lying areas, deploy staff and equipment at chokepoints, and keep pumping stations and generators operational.
Private housing societies have been warned to eliminate water ponding or face legal action. The chief minister emphasised that these societies are solely responsible for managing their own drainage.
The PDMA also released a monsoon fact sheet, detailing rainfall statistics, river and reservoir water levels, and overall flood risk. The statement confirmed that light rain was recorded in Sialkot over the past 24 hours, and predicted more rain in most districts in the coming days.
No casualties were reported from the latest rainfall, but the monsoon season has already claimed 152 lives in Punjab this year.
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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Monsoon rains set to intensify
The fifth spell of monsoon rains of the ongoing season is set to begin across Punjab and continue through July 31, prompting alerts and emergency preparations across the province, officials said. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), heavy rainfall is expected in various districts of northern, central, and South Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sialkot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar. The PDMA has warned of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas due to drainage overload. "The monsoon system may cause flooding in Punjab's rivers and streams," said PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia. He added that water levels in the Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, and Jhelum rivers could rise significantly during this period. The Indus River is already experiencing a medium-level flood at Taunsa Barrage, where water flow has reached 410,000 cusecs. Low-level floods are also being reported at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma. The Punjab chief minister has ordered all district administrations to remain on high alert. Deputy commissioners have been directed to stay in the field and enforce Section 144 to restrict risky public movement around rivers and drains. Police have been instructed to increase patrolling near water bodies. Municipal bodies, WASA, and Rescue 1122 have been placed on standby, with orders to ensure immediate drainage from low-lying areas, deploy staff and equipment at chokepoints, and keep pumping stations and generators operational. Private housing societies have been warned to eliminate water ponding or face legal action. The chief minister emphasised that these societies are solely responsible for managing their own drainage. The PDMA also released a monsoon fact sheet, detailing rainfall statistics, river and reservoir water levels, and overall flood risk. The statement confirmed that light rain was recorded in Sialkot over the past 24 hours, and predicted more rain in most districts in the coming days. No casualties were reported from the latest rainfall, but the monsoon season has already claimed 152 lives in Punjab this year.
Business Recorder
23-07-2025
- Business Recorder
Water flow in rivers increasing
LAHORE: Water flow in rivers is increasing due to monsoon rains and glacier melting. There is low-level flooding in the Indus River at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa. Water flow in the Ravi, Jhelum and Sutlej rivers is at normal level. Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that there is low-level flooding in the Chenab River at Khanki. The inflow of water at Khanki is 120,000 while the outflow is 116,000 cusecs. The water flow in the Chenab River at Marala, Qadirabad and Trimon is normal. The inflow of water at Kalabagh is 332,000 while the outflow is 324,000 cusecs. The inflow of water at Taunsa is 363,000 while the outflow is 357,000 cusecs. The water flow at Tarbela is 350,000 cusecs. The water inflow at Chashma is 340,000 and the outflow is 320,000. There is a risk of flooding in major rivers and their adjacent streams of Punjab from July 22 to 24. The water flow in Dera Ghazi Khan rivers and canals is normal. DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has issued instructions to the administration of the concerned districts to remain alert. Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that in view of the possible flood threat, arrangements are complete in vulnerable districts. The water level in Mangla Dam is 50 percent, in Tarbela it is 79 percent. The water level in Indian dams on Sutlej, Beas and Ravi is up to 36 percent. PDMA Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centres are monitoring the situation 24/7. The public is requested to take precautionary measures during the rainy season. Avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather. Avoid touching electric wires and poles. In case of emergency, call PDMA helpline 1129. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Heatwave grips in Lahore, monsoon brings rain, flood risks to other regions
A laborer carries sacks of onions while wading through a flooded street after heavy monsoon rains in Lahore on July 16, 2025. Photo: AFP A heatwave and rising humidity have intensified across Lahore and much of Punjab, with dry conditions persisting in most areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of 34°C and a minimum of 27°C for Lahore as the city experiences elevated temperatures. Although a new monsoon system is expected to enter Pakistan today, Lahore is unlikely to see significant rainfall in immediate days. The fourth monsoon spell is anticipated to be stronger than previous ones and will bring thundershowers, wind, and rain to various regions, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and parts of southern Punjab. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding from July 20 to 25, urging local authorities to remain vigilant. River levels in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab are expected to rise, and medium-level flooding is already being reported in the Indus River. To manage the potential impact, provincial agencies such as WASA, LWMC, and local municipalities have mobilised emergency measures to handle flood risks, and authorities have enforced Section 144 around rivers and streams to ensure public safety. Other parts of the country, including Kashmir, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, North-East Punjab, the Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan, North-East and South Balochistan, and South Sindh, are expected to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers over the next twelve hours. In contrast, hot and humid weather will continue to dominate in the rest of the country. Temperatures this morning were recorded in major cities as follows: Islamabad at 28°C, Lahore and Karachi both at 29°C, Peshawar at 30°C, Quetta at 22°C, Gilgit at 24°C, Murree at 17°C, and Muzaffarabad at 25°C. The PDMA has urged the public to stay updated with weather forecasts and follow safety protocols, particularly in flood-prone areas, as rainfall and river rises could pose significant flood risks over the next few days.
