Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab Director General Irfan Kathia visited the head office of the Meteorological Department in Lahore on Tuesday as part of efforts to enhance preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
He was accompanied by PDMA Director Zaheer Baig and other senior officers. During the visit, Chief Meteorologist Zaheer Babar gave a detailed briefing on the working of the Meteorological Department and the expected weather patterns for this year.
According to the Met Office, monsoon rains this year are predicted to be 25% above the average, with August likely to witness the highest concentration of rainfall and cloud activity.
Irfan Kathia said that all necessary arrangements have been made to deal with the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Punjab. He assured that early warnings would be issued in major cities, including Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, to help minimize damage and ensure public safety.
A special focus was placed on urban flooding and the risk of cloudbursts. The DG PDMA and the chief meteorologist agreed to jointly formulate a comprehensive response plan to manage such extreme weather events.
The meeting also reviewed the water levels in rivers and discussed flood threats in Rod Kohi. The PDMA Punjab confirmed that early warning systems for potential flood torrents (flood rails) in these regions will be activated in advance to protect vulnerable communities.
Kathia visited the control room of the Meteorological Department and reviewed real-time monitoring systems. He appreciated the efficiency and communication between PDMA Punjab and the Meteorological Department, highlighting their coordination as a key strength in dealing with monsoon-related emergencies.
