ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan on Thursday urged citizens to exercise caution as monsoon rains continued across the country, warning of more downpours in the coming 24 hours in Punjab and other parts of the country.
The ongoing rainfall comes amid a season of severe weather that has already caused widespread damage. Since June 26, at least 303 people have died in rain-related incidents nationwide, including 164 in the eastern Punjab province, according to disaster management officials.
“We request citizens to take precautionary measures during the monsoon season,” Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), said in a statement. “Keep children away from streams, low-lying areas, rivers and canals and strictly avoid swimming during rainfall.”
The PDMA said that the sixth spell of the monsoon system is expected to subside later on Thursday, but rain is still likely in most districts of the province.
It informed water levels in major rivers — including the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej — remained at normal levels, and no immediate flood threat was reported.
In its latest fact sheet, PDMA reported 582 people injured, 216 homes damaged, and 121 livestock losses in the current season.
It also said financial assistance was being provided to affected families in various districts.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a flash flood alert a day earlier for the Kashmir region and Gilgit-Baltistan, citing forecasts of intense rainfall in mountainous areas.
Vulnerable districts, including Neelum Valley, Skardu and Hunza, were asked to remain on high alert and identify evacuation routes in case of sudden water surges.
The NDMA urged residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and low bridges and recommended moving vehicles, livestock and valuables to safer ground.
Authorities said that emergency monitoring and coordination with provincial and district administrations were continuing to ensure a timely response to any worsening conditions.
