ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh warning for severe weather conditions expected in parts of Punjab and Islamabad today, urging residents and tourists to stay vigilant.
In response to the looming threat, the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management has approved several projects aimed at enhancing the region’s climate resilience, with a focus on water availability and flood protection.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA, a westerly disturbance is anticipated to trigger unstable weather across various areas.
This could lead to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms.
The NEOC cautioned that such conditions may cause weak trees to fall, potentially leading to power outages.
Additionally, hailstorms and windstorms pose a threat to poorly constructed buildings, vehicles, rooftops, and power infrastructure. Standing crops may also face significant damage due to hail.
The NDMA advised all residents, including tourists, to closely monitor the weather and road conditions throughout the day.
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It recommended avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and following local safety instructions, particularly in landslide-prone areas.
The authority continues to track the weather situation in real time and is coordinating efforts with provincial and district disaster management agencies to ensure public safety and a prompt response.
Cholistan Climate Resilience Projects
On a separate note, the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management has approved several important initiatives aimed at combating the region’s climate challenges.
The schemes are specifically focused on improving water security and flood protection, especially in the Cholistan desert region, which has been facing increasing climate-related difficulties.
One key decision involved the approval of four Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration plants to address the chronic water shortage in Cholistan.
These plants are expected to improve the quality and accessibility of drinking water in the region, benefiting local communities.
Furthermore, six schemes related to flood protection and river erosion were presented, including a major plan to strengthen the Walewala Dam located on the in Kasur district.
These schemes, valued at Rs550 million, also aim to prevent erosion along the riverbanks and reinforce the infrastructure to safeguard the region from future floods.
The committee also approved a survey agreement with the Urban Unit to map the populations living in riverine areas, with phase 1 focusing on the Indus River and surrounding hill torrents.
This initiative will help improve disaster preparedness and response strategies for those living near flood-prone areas.
Additional measures included the approval of schemes to prevent river erosion along the Chenab River, particularly in the stretch from Bela Sarban to Head Trimo in Jhang district. Furthermore, a protective dam will be constructed in Layyah to safeguard the region against river erosion.
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The meeting, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique, also saw the participation of Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed, Additional Chief Secretary Ahmed Raza Sarwar, and the Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia.
During the session, a four-point agenda was presented, which included an update on flood protection schemes and water supply solutions for Cholistan.
