ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Saturday warned of 35 percent more rains during the upcoming monsoon season and urged swift action to mitigate the impact of anticipated heavy rainfall, said an official.
Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Irfan Ali Kathia raised serious concerns about widespread urban flooding, saying that the province is gearing up for a potentially devastating monsoon season.
"The forecast paints a picture of exceptionally high volumes of rain. Thorough preparations are crucial to safeguard communities and infrastructure from potential damage," said the official.
According to Kathia, the PDMA has intensified efforts to clear waterways in response to the heightened risk and set up coordination with other departments.
"Our teams are working tirelessly to remove obstructions and improve drainage systems, ensuring smooth water flow and minimizing flood risks," the director general added.
Director of the National Weather Forecasting Center Zaheer Ahmed Babar also confirmed the arrival of monsoon rains in the country's southern Sindh province, particularly its port city Karachi.
Babar anticipated the monsoon winds to advance nationwide within the next 24 hours, bringing heavy precipitation to various regions.
The official cautioned of above-average rainfall in July and August, raising concerns about flooding in rivers, canals, and northeastern and southeastern urban areas.
Babar said that rains are expected to start on Monday, with varying amounts of rainfalls throughout July ranging from 15 millimeters to 70 millimeters.
The heaviest rainfalls are expected in the fourth week of July, said the weather forecasting center, adding that the heavy rains could be accompanied by thunderstorms followed by potential flash flooding and disruptions. ■
