PMD rain forecast: Which Punjab areas could face fresh flood threat this week?
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted another spell of rain from July 29 in the upper catchments of all major rivers. The forecast also includes Islamabad, upper Punjab and northern parts of the country, where more rainfall could increase flood risks.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said rivers across Punjab are still carrying floodwater. However, it added that water flow has remained stable during the past 24 hours despite recent heavy rains.
The authority reported low-level flooding in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa. Water flow was recorded at 334,000 cusecs at Kalabagh, 370,000 cusecs at Chashma and 313,000 cusecs at Taunsa around 6am.
The flood situation in the Chenab River has continued to improve. Water levels have dropped to low flood levels at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Trimmu barrages.
According to the PDMA, water flow stood at 143,000 cusecs at Marala, 138,000 cusecs at Khanki, 135,000 cusecs at Qadirabad and 184,000 cusecs at Trimmu. Officials said the river is showing signs of gradual improvement.
Low-level flooding also remains in the Ravi River at Balloki and Sidhnai headworks. Water flow measured 81,000 cusecs at Balloki and 60,000 cusecs at Sidhnai, while the flow at Shahdara stayed normal.
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The authority said water levels in the Sutlej and Jhelum rivers are currently normal. Officials are still monitoring these rivers closely because more rain is expected in the coming days.
PDMA also reported a medium flood in Basantar Nullah in Narowal. At the same time, Wazirabad’s Phalko Nullah remains at a high flood level with a water flow of 5,000 cusecs.
The authority urged people living near rivers and floodplains to move to safer places without delay. It said the Punjab government has completed all necessary arrangements for affected families.
“All basic facilities and medicines will be provided in the flood relief camps,” the PDMA director general said. Relief teams remain ready to respond wherever needed.
Heavy rainfall was recorded in several cities during the last 24 hours. Noorpur Thal received 115mm of rain, Gujranwala 107mm, Gujrat 94mm, Narowal 68mm, Mandi Bahauddin 65mm, Sialkot Airport 52mm, Okara 46mm, Jauharabad 40mm and Sargodha 38mm.
Lahore and Mangla each received 37mm of rainfall, while Jhelum recorded 32mm. Sheikhupura received 28mm, Hafizabad and Kasur 27mm each, Chakwal 20mm, Bahawalnagar 18mm and Khanewal 16mm.
“A total of 450 mm of rain was recorded in Lahore over a period of 5 days,” the statement said. Rain also fell in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Attock, Murree and Bahawalpur.
The PDMA said its control room and district emergency operation centres remain on high alert. It warned that fresh rain could cause flooding in rivers, canals and low-lying areas, while landslides remain possible in mountainous regions such as Murree.
The authority also warned that heavy rainfall may damage mud-brick houses in vulnerable areas. Citizens have been advised to call the PDMA helpline, 1129, in case of any emergency.
Although flood conditions have improved in some rivers, another spell of rain could quickly change the situation. People living near rivers and low-lying areas should stay alert and follow official safety instructions.
