Ferozewala submerged as monsoon rains intensify

Flooding has intensified in several parts of Ferozewala as hundreds of families remain stranded in submerged areas. The situation has become more concerning with another spell of monsoon rain expected across Punjab.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across Punjab and other parts of the country from July 29 to August 5.

Several districts could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall during this period. The new weather system may increase the risk of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.

Weather officials said monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are likely to enter upper and central parts of Pakistan. A westerly weather system affecting northern areas is also expected to strengthen from August 1.

Several areas of northern and central Punjab are likely to receive rain with breaks until August 4. These include Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal and surrounding districts.

Southern Punjab is also expected to receive rainfall from July 31 to August 3. Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are among the areas likely to receive rain.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority has directed provincial departments and district administrations to remain on high alert.

Authorities have been warned about possible urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan.

Mountainous areas could face additional risks. Murree, Galliyat and nearby regions may experience landslides.

Flash floods are also possible in local streams and nullahs. The threat extends to Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Hill torrents may also affect Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern parts of Balochistan.

Officials have been instructed to complete preparations before the next spell of rain. District administrations have also been asked to closely monitor rivers, streams and other vulnerable locations.

Authorities warned that additional rainfall could increase water levels in eastern rivers and adjoining nullahs.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain. People have also been asked to stay away from damaged buildings, mud houses, standing water and exposed electrical wires and poles.

Parents have been urged to keep children away from flooded and low-lying areas. People have also been advised to move to safer places during thunderstorms.

Water and sanitation authorities across Punjab have been directed to remain ready throughout the forecast period.

Officials have been asked to keep drainage stations, pumps and machinery fully operational. Field teams are also expected to remain deployed during rainfall.

Construction sites have been ordered to take additional safety measures. Open pits should be covered or properly cordoned off. Warning signs and barriers should also be installed.

The weather warning comes as Ferozewala is already facing serious flooding.

Dozens of villages and settlements have been submerged after an embankment along the seasonal Bhir Nullah was breached.

The flooding has affected several residential communities. Water levels have continued to rise in some areas after further rainfall.