Pakistan is preparing for a change of time, because heavy rains are expected in the coming days, the authorities warning potential floods in certain regions. The director general of the province of disaster management, Irfan Ali Kathia, published a detailed briefing on the current weather and the situation of the floods.
“From the 5th of this month, the rain is expected from Rawalpindi to Lahore, and it could be heavy,” DG Irfan Ali Kathia said.
Light rains are expected in various Punjab districts on Saturday (today), while southern Punjab is also likely to see precipitation on Sunday (tomorrow), on average from 10 to 15 mm. “Tomorrow, the intensity of the rain will be more than that of today, with an average of 30 to 35 mm.”
Read: The floods are 1,006 lives, including 275 children
The provincial Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that precipitation on October 06 will be heavier in the north, northeast and center of Punjab, with 50 to 70 mm expected, while showers on October 07 could be even more intense. “Residents of vulnerable areas should remain alert and take precautions,” said Kathia.
Light showers have already relieved cities like Lahore, while the Potohar region and northeast of Punjab – notably Rawalpindi, Murrier, Chakwal and Gujrat – should see intermittent rains and thunderstorms until October 7.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad experienced their first heavy winter rain on October 03, ending a six -week drought period and breaking intense heat and humidity. “Suddenly shiver prompted residents to bring out clothes and warm covers,” said a local resident. The streets have seen motorcyclists carry sweaters and sellers quickly installed stands selling winter favorites such as peanuts and roasted chickpeas.
Rising waters increase the flood alarm
Floods continue to allocate 27 districts across the country. The recent floods of Punjab have assigned 4,795 villages in 28 districts, which has an impact on more than 407,000 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 612,800 residents as well as 2 million animals.
In southern Punjab, 331 rescue camps house approximately 106,000 people, supported by 425 medical and mobile clinical camps.
The floods have damaged 2.58 million acres of agricultural land, Gujrat and Faisalabad suffering from the worst harvest losses, including significant damage to corn, rice, sugar cane and cotton.
At the head of Marala, the Chenab river transports 20,000 brackets, with 100,000 additional features expected from India in the next 48 hours due to operations upstream in Dulhasti.
The current release of Marala is 23,000 brackets, while Mangla Dam reports high water levels. The Sutlej could receive 50,000 CSUCs from India and could release 35,000 Cusecases in the Ravi river.
PDMA teams actively work on affected areas. “Currently, 11,500 staff members in 27 districts are committed, including Pakistani army officers and local administrations,” said Kathia.
Find out more: The rain brings relief to Lahore
In total, 2,213 teams carry out soil assessments, monitored in real time via an online dashboard. Investigations in 69 Tehsils should be completed by October 27.
To support the victims of the floods, the stands of the Punjab bank are created in all the Tehsils. Following the distribution of emergency cards, 50,000 people have already received immediate assistance. The PDMA, in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), launched a platform to treat complaints related to the survey, guaranteeing resolution within seven days.
“Current floods have caused greater damage than all previous events, including losses, cattle and lives,” DG Irfan Ali Kathia said. Over the past 15 years, 51 billion rupees have been provided to the communities affected by the floods.
Pakistan has experienced major flood events in recent years. In 2010, more than 350,000 people were affected; In 2012, 38,196 people; And in 2014, more than 359,000, with 14 billion rupees distributed. In 2022, 56,000 people were affected and 10 billion rupees were disbursed.
