Depts put on alert amid heavy rainfall forecast

LAHORE:Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) DG Irfan Ali Kathia has said stormy rains, lightning, thunder and strong winds are likely in the next 24 hours.

He said there are chances of heavy rain across Punjab from April 18 to 21. According to the instructions of the CM, an alert has been issued to the district administrations. The Department of Health, Irrigation, Construction and Communication has issued an alert to the local government and livestock.

The PDMA DG has instructed to take precautionary measures. He said that PDMA control room is active round the clock. The people living in the low-lying areas will get full support from the institutions. Those living on the banks of rivers and streams should take precautions.

By making the flow of water possible, loss of life and property can be avoided. He said that the protection of life and property of the people is the first priority of the department. Damage in stormy rains can be avoided by taking precautionary measures. Citizens are also being informed about the upcoming season through print, electronic and social media.

District administration, rescue agencies and PDMA helpline are available to the public round the clock. In case of civil emergency contact PDMA helpline 1129 or Rescue 1122.

Partly cloudy forecast

Dry and partly cloudy weather was recorded in the city while rainfall was recorded at several cities in the country on Tuesday. Met office predicted that dry and partly cloudy weather was expected in most parts of the country while rain-windstorm/ thunderstorm was likely in most parts of Balochistan with heavy rainfall/hailstorm was also expected during forecast period.

Met office warned that heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of Balochistan specially (Gwadar, Kech, Awaran, Kharan, Panjgur, Washuk, Noshki and Kalat) on April 17 (today). Met officials said a trough of strong westerly wave was affecting western parts of Balochistan and likely to grip most parts of Balochistan on April 17. Tuesday’s highest maximum temperature was recorded at Mithi where mercury reached at 41°C while in Lahore it was 32.3°C and minimum was 17.5°C.