Punjab Braces for Eighth Monsoon Spell as Flood Risks Rise

Punjab authorities have issued a province-wide weather alert as the eighth spell of monsoon rainfall is expected to affect much of the province from August 29 through September 5. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned that the incoming system could produce heavy rain in several districts and create conditions for urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable locations.

The PDMA forecast rainfall for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Gujrat. Heavier rainfall is expected across a broader group of districts including Lahore, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Mianwali, Khushab, Layyah, Bhakkar and Toba Tek Singh, among other areas.

Urban centres face particular concern because intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems within a short period. The authority identified Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot among cities facing an increased risk of urban flooding. In northern mountainous areas, including Murree and Galiat, officials have also warned that heavy rain could trigger landslides and create dangerous travel conditions.

PDMA Director General Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa said commissioners and deputy commissioners had been instructed to remain on alert and ensure preparations were completed before severe weather developed. District administrations and relevant departments were directed to keep drainage channels operational and take preventive measures in locations where accumulated water or flash flooding could threaten communities and infrastructure.

The provincial disaster authority has also alerted health, irrigation, communication and works, local government and livestock departments so that emergency operations can be coordinated if conditions deteriorate. At present, the PDMA said flows in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers were within normal limits, as were hill torrents in the Dera Ghazi Khan region. However, a low-level flood was reported at Nala Palkho in Wazirabad, where water discharge was recorded at 2,800 cusecs.

Reservoir conditions are also being closely watched. According to the authority, Tarbela Dam was at full capacity while Mangla Dam was around 75 percent full. Flood relief camps have already been established in affected areas on provincial government instructions, with arrangements intended to provide temporary shelter, food, clean drinking water, medical support and other essential services if people are displaced.

Authorities have urged residents to minimise unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. Citizens have also been advised to avoid unsafe buildings, flooded low-lying locations, rivers, canals, storm drains, electricity poles and exposed wiring. Parents were specifically asked to keep children away from accumulated rainwater and waterways. The PDMA said it would continue monitoring rainfall, river flows and vulnerable districts throughout the forecast period as officials prepare for possible localised flooding and weather-related emergencies.