The Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Mehar Sahibzada Khan, has issued a call to action for citizens and tourists to take precautionary measures due to the ongoing monsoon rains, which are expected to persist until July 21. He underscored the necessity of steering clear of areas susceptible to landslides.
In an interview with a news channel, Khan urged citizens to keep children away from waterlogged areas, electrical wires, and poles, emphasizing, “The safety of citizens’ lives and property is our highest priority.”
He reported that Jehlum experienced the highest monsoon rainfall at 53 millimeters, while Islamabad recorded 10 millimeters on Thursday morning, with more rain anticipated in the evening.
The PMD has instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and other district administrations to remain vigilant during this rain spell to prevent any unfortunate incidents.
All four provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), are expected to face new spells of rain, wind, and thundershowers due to the prevailing weather system.
The public is advised to take measures to prevent flooding and stay safe from lightning strikes. Citizens are urged to stay indoors during severe weather and maintain a safe distance from electrical poles and wires.
Relevant departments have been instructed to diligently perform their duties to alert local communities, tourists, and travelers in at-risk areas. Both locals and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Khan noted that landslides might disrupt roads in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period.
In response to a query, Khan mentioned that the PDMA control room is monitoring weather conditions around the clock. The public has been urged to follow government instructions to ensure safety. He added that the PDMA is focused on real-time data to provide accurate weather forecasts.
“We are committed to safeguarding the public by providing timely and accurate weather updates,” Khan concluded.
