The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a flood alert across the province, warning of rising water levels in major rivers and the risk of urban flooding between July 20 and July 24.
According to the PDMA, water levels are expected to rise in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and adjoining rivers, with low to high-level flooding likely at Marala on the Chenab River.
Flood warnings have also been issued for the Ravi River and tributaries of the Chenab, including the Basantar, Deg, Aik, Palkhu, Bhimber, Halsi and Dora rivers.
The authority further warned of possible flash flooding in the Rod Kohi hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.
Heavy rainfall is also expected to trigger urban flooding in parts of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rawalpindi divisions.
The PDMA has directed commissioners, deputy commissioners, WASA authorities and other relevant departments across Punjab to remain on high alert and complete all precautionary measures.
Rescue 1122 has been instructed to ensure disaster response teams are fully prepared, while emergency control rooms will remain operational around the clock.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia directed local administrations to maintain adequate fuel supplies for rescue operations, keep the public informed of the evolving situation, and ensure the timely evacuation of residents and livestock from vulnerable riverine areas if necessary.
He also instructed authorities to ensure the availability of food, clean drinking water and other essential facilities at flood relief camps.
The PDMA urged residents to follow official safety advisories, cooperate with authorities during any evacuation, and contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of an emergency.