LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a Monsoon Alert Fact Sheet, detailing status of monsoon rains, and water levels in rivers, barrages and dams of Punjab.
Statistics on the damage caused by monsoon rains are also included in the fact sheet. The data shows that, in the last 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in multiple areas including Murree, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Attock, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Chakwal and Dera Ghazi Khan.
PDMA Director General (DG) Irfan Ali Kathia, sharing details from the report said that 18 citizens have died due to monsoon rains and 57 more were injured. Moreover, 27 houses were also affected.
The dead included 11 children, three women and seven men. Most of the deaths were caused due to the collapse of mud houses, dilapidated buildings and roofs.
The report also showed that two citizens died due to lightning in Khanewal and Okara, while two children died due to electrocution in Mandi Bahauddin.
PDMA DG said that as per government instructions, financial assistance will be provided to the bereaved families.
Going forward, the PDMA said that the first spell of monsoon rains will continue till July 1 (Tuesday).
Meanwhile, water flow remains at normal level in all rivers and barrages of Punjab. Despite that, PDMA arrangements have been completed in view of the possible flood threat.
DG Kathia said that there is a risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Gujranwala. The administration of big cities is on alert in view of the emergency situation, he added.
PDMA Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centers are monitoring the situation 24/7. In view of possible rains, instructions have been given to the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the administration to ensure drainage of water from low-lying areas.
The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on bathing in rivers, canals and rain drains. Strict action will be taken in case of violation. PDMA DG also said that the citizens should avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather, and stay away from electric wires and poles.
In case of emergency, PDMA helpline 1129 can be reached.
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