Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood advisory ahead of the province’s seventh spell of monsoon rains, expected from 13 August.
In its advisory, the PDMA cautioned that heavy rainfall could raise water levels in the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers, as well as in adjoining streams and tributaries. The authority warned that low-lying and riverine areas face a risk of flooding.
Officials, including commissioners and deputy commissioners, have been instructed to remain on high alert. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged local administrations to ensure the evacuation of people and livestock from vulnerable riverbank areas.
He also reminded the public that swimming in rivers, canals, and other water bodies is strictly banned during the emergency period. Citizens were advised to call the PDMA’s helpline at 1129 in case of any emergency.
The warning follows weeks of monsoon devastation across Pakistan. Urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides have claimed more than 300 lives, with many others missing. Infrastructure damage has been reported in several regions.
Gilgit-Baltistan, a popular tourist destination, was among the hardest hit. Last month, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan confirmed that at least 10 people had died and four others were injured in floods triggered by intense rains.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Gilgit-Baltistan last week to distribute compensation cheques. Families of the deceased received Rs1 million each, while a Rs4 billion package was announced for restoring damaged infrastructure.
The prime minister expressed solidarity with the victims, prayed for the dead, and called for a modern early warning system to reduce future risks. He reiterated that Pakistan is among the nations most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
