The monsoon season has officially commenced in Punjab, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). This year, the region is expected to receive 30% more rainfall compared to previous years, as per the PDMA spokesperson.
In the first week of July, rainfall is predicted to range between 15 and 50mm, while the second week is expected to see 25 to 35mm of rain. The third week may bring up to 25mm of rain in the upper and southern regions of Punjab. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated in the fourth week, with predictions of 50 to 70mm.
The PDMA has issued warnings of potential flash floods in hill torrents and urban flooding, particularly in southern Punjab. The increased rainfall heightens the risk of these natural disasters, necessitating prompt preventive measures.
DG PDMA emphasized the urgency of completing the cleaning of rivers and drainage systems to mitigate the impact of the anticipated heavy rains. The authorities are advised to expedite these preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Lahore on Monday morning has turned the city's weather pleasant and brought the mercury down, especially in areas such as Gulberg, Jail Road, Lawrence Road, Begum Road, Anarkali and their surroundings.
The city witnessed substantial rainfall, with the highest recorded at 105mm at Lakshmi Chowk and 102mm around Qurtaba Chowk. Other notable measurements include 61mm in Gulshan-e-Ravi, 72mm in Pani Wala Talab area, and 73mm in Gulberg, according to WASA.
The downpour led to significant water accumulation in low-lying areas, notably Liberty Chowk, Qaddafi Stadium, and Hussain Chowk, as well as Garden Town, Wahdat Road, and MM Alam Road.