New Year Road Safety Campaign Records 207 Fatalities in Five Days

The Punjab government has imposed a 60-day ban on swimming in dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes across the province. The restriction has been introduced under Section 144 of the law. The Punjab Home Department issued a notification announcing the ban. According to the notification, people will also be prohibited from bathing in rainwater accumulated on streets, roads and open areas. The government has also restricted boating without official permission in the province. The ban applies to the water bodies covered under the notification. Officials said the restrictions were imposed to protect human lives during the ongoing monsoon season. Water levels have increased in several dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes across Punjab. Heavy rainfall has also created pools of standing water in different areas. Authorities fear that entering these waters could increase the risk of drowning and other accidents. The government has therefore moved to prevent people from swimming or bathing in potentially dangerous locations. The Home Department said the restrictions would remain in place for 60 days. Citizens have been advised to cooperate with the authorities and avoid entering rivers, canals, dams and other water bodies. The ban comes as Punjab continues to experience monsoon rains. Several parts of the province have already faced heavy rainfall, flooding and rising water levels. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas where water levels are rising. People have also been advised to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary activities near flooded areas.

RAWALPINDI: A rain emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi and Islamabad after heavy rainfall hit the twin cities. The authorities have stepped up preparations to deal with any possible emergency. Teams and heavy machinery have been deployed in several low-lying areas. According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), water levels in Nullah Lai have increased following the rainfall. The water flow at Kattarian has reached 10.5 feet. At Gawalmandi, the level has been recorded at 8.5 feet. Officials are closely monitoring the situation along Nullah Lai. Emergency teams have been placed on alert to respond quickly if water levels rise further. Shamsabad recorded the highest rainfall in Rawalpindi. Around 116 millimetres of rain was recorded in the area. The heavy downpour has raised concerns about urban flooding in vulnerable parts of the city. WASA staff have been deployed in low-lying areas to manage the situation. Heavy machinery has also been positioned at several key locations. These include Liaquat Bagh, the Committee Chowk Underpass and low-lying areas along Murree Road. Equipment has also been deployed in Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad. Officials said the deployment of machinery would help clear rainwater and keep important roads accessible. Emergency personnel are also monitoring areas that are vulnerable to water accumulation. The authorities have urged relevant departments to remain alert as further rainfall could increase pressure on the city’s drainage system. WASA teams are continuing to monitor Nullah Lai and other vulnerable points. Officials said immediate action would be taken if water levels rise or flooding occurs.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain and thunderstorms in upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21. The weather system is expected to bring rain with strong winds and occasional heavy showers. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority said monsoon currents were continuing to move into the upper parts of the country. The Met Office also expects a westerly wave to reach northern areas on August 17, which could further strengthen the weather activity. Punjab is likely to receive rain and thunderstorms at intervals from August 16 to 21. Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad are among the areas expected to be affected. Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal may also experience showers and thunderstorms during the forecast period. Southern and central districts of Punjab are expected to see rain mainly on August 20 and 21. These areas include Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. Authorities have warned that intense rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying parts of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between August 17 and 20. There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas, particularly Murree and Galyat. Tourists and travellers have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather. Farmers have been asked to adjust agricultural activities according to the forecast and protect livestock from adverse weather conditions. The PDMA has instructed district administrations to strengthen emergency arrangements and prepare risk-mitigation plans. Officials have been directed to maintain round-the-clock staffing and coordinate closely with relevant departments for a quick response. Authorities have also been told to provide timely information about safety precautions and possible evacuation plans through electronic and social media platforms. Drainage systems are to be inspected, desilted and cleared before heavy rainfall. Heavy machinery is also being positioned at vulnerable locations where blocked drainage or flooding could create emergencies. Motorway Police have been directed to issue regular traffic and road-condition updates and guide motorists during the rainy spell.