Authorities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have issued monsoon alerts and directed district administrations to make advance preparations as another spell of rain is expected across several parts of both provinces from August 29 to September 5.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued an alert for the eighth monsoon spell, forecasting rain in most districts of the province during the period.
According to the alert, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Gujrat, Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan.
The PDMA warned of possible urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot, while landslides could occur in Murree, Galiyat and other hilly areas.
PDMA Punjab Director General Saif Anwar, acting on the instructions of the chief minister, directed deputy commissioners across the province to remain vigilant and complete precautionary arrangements ahead of the forecast spell.
He warned that flash flooding was possible in streams and urged citizens to take precautions during adverse weather.
Saif Anwar advised residents to avoid staying in dilapidated or mud-built houses, noting that such structures account for a significant number of accidents and fatalities during the monsoon season.
He also advised people to remain in safe locations during thunderstorms and strong winds and avoid unnecessary travel. Citizens were urged to take precautions against lightning, while parents were asked to keep children away from low-lying flooded areas, electricity poles, wires and other hazardous locations.
The public can contact the PDMA Punjab helpline at 1129 in case of an emergency.
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Meanwhile, the PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also issued an alert to all district administrations following a forecast of rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms from August 29 to September 5.
The forecast covers Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur and Kohistan, as well as Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber and Mohmand.
From September 1 to 4, rain is also expected in Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Waziristan.
The KP disaster management authority warned of landslides in vulnerable areas of the upper districts due to heavy rainfall. Urban flooding is also expected in low-lying areas of Mardan and Swabi from August 31 to September 5.
Strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards and crops, the authority said, directing district administrations and relevant departments to complete precautionary measures and remain on alert.
Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys in view of the weather conditions. Tourists have also been urged to refrain from trekking, hiking and camping during periods of heavy rain.
The PDMA KP advised the public to stay away from rivers, streams and rainwater and avoid crossing flooded roads. People were also advised to remain in safe places during thunderstorms and strong winds.
The authority said the PDMA and relevant departments were monitoring the situation around the clock. Citizens can contact the PDMA KP toll-free helpline at 1700 in case of an emergency.
