PDMA warns of above normal monsoon rains this year

LAHORE : PDMA has said probability of monsoon rains this year is higher than before; preparations have been completed in anticipation of monsoon rains and possible floods.

A meeting on PDMA measures was held in committee room under the chairmanship of Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed. PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia, Secretary Board of Revenue Shafqatullah Mushtaq and other officers attended the meeting. The DG briefed Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed about PDMA's initiatives. He briefed on Monsoon Contingency Plan 2024. Construction and restructuring of PDMA Punjab Complex was discussed. On behalf of the Relief Commissioner Punjab, it was said that PDMA will provide equal opportunities for advancement to the employees. DG Irfan Ali Kathia said that the probability of monsoon rains this year is higher than before. Preparations have been completed in anticipation of monsoon rains and possible floods, he said.

Relief Commissioner issued instructions to remove encroachments from rivers and canals. He issued instructions to DCs of all districts. Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed said early preparation for possible floods and monsoon rains is must. He instructed to activate smog dashboard, flood dashboard and Mawra dashboards. He said there is no room for negligence and irresponsibility.

He appreciated the performance of PDMA for conducting monsoon plan and mock exercise. The commissioner reviewed the flood simulation model. DG Irfan Ali Kathia said warehouses of PDMA will be established in Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Rajanpur and Jhang.

Nabil Javed directed for sending summary of setting up warehouses to the Cabinet for approval. Instructions were also given to make disaster risk insurance and financing effective. He said the establishment of Green Savers Think Tank is the best initiative of PDMA, adding environmental pollution can be eliminated by implementing the best policies. Nabil Javed directed PDMA to formulate a comprehensive policy on climate change.

Meanwhile, heatwave continued to prevail in the City as mercury reached 43.2°C while Met office predicted similar weather conditions for the next 24 hours.

Met officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country while a shallow westerly wave was present over northern parts of the country.

However, partly cloudy weather with light rain/thunderstorm was likely at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Monday’s maximum temperature was recorded at Bhakkar where mercury reached 47°C, while in Lahore, it was 43.2°C and minimum was 27.6°C.