Powerful monsoon spell forecast from July 29 as Punjab steps up flood preparedness

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast a powerful monsoon spell from July 29 that could affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper catchment areas of rivers. The weather department said there was no likelihood of flood-producing rainfall before July 28, but a strong monsoon system was expected to begin on July 29, potentially triggering urban flooding and rising water levels in hill streams and nullahs. The Flood Forecasting Division said the overall river situation remained under control, although water flows had increased at Marala on the Chenab and Balloki on the Ravi.

The Indus, Jhelum and Kabul rivers were experiencing low-level flood conditions, it said. The PMD said water levels in the Chenab and Ravi were expected to rise further over the next 24 hours, while the Indus was likely to remain in a low-level flood situation over the following 48 hours. Rain is expected to continue in Lahore and several other parts of Punjab.

During the past 24 hours, Noorpur Thal received 115 millimetres of rain, followed by Gujranwala with 107mm and Gujrat with 94mm. Meanwhile, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning swimming, bathing and unauthorised boating at various water bodies amid the ongoing monsoon conditions. The Punjab Home Department has issued a notification imposing the restrictions for 60 days.

Under the notification, bathing in accumulated rainwater in open spaces and public places has been prohibited. Swimming in dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes has also been banned. Unauthorised boating in dams, rivers, canals and distributaries has also been prohibited under the restrictions.

The Home Department said the measures had been imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, in view of the prevailing weather conditions and the risk of accidents, to protect human lives. The home secretary directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the notification. Authorities were also instructed to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign regarding the restrictions.

Separately, Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Mela visited Ferozwala tehsil and Muridke to review protective bunds, affected villages, flooded areas and flood relief camps following recent…