• PDMA warns of flooding and landslides due to heavy downpours.
• Body advises DDMAs, rescue officials to remain on high alert.
• KP, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad and Balochistan to also receive rain.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab Thursday warned of moderate to heavy rain and strong winds coupled with hailstorms in various areas of the province.

“As intimated by the Pakistan Meteorological Departement (PMD), moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Kasur from February 17 to 21,” the PDMA said in a statement.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan between February 18 and 19.

Directing the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to ensure their preparedness and take all relevant measures, the PDMA has urged the rescue officials and authorities to “remain high alert and have sufficient emergency response personnel and equipment [at their disposal] during the forecasted period”.

The PDMA has also warned travellers regarding the risks of flooding and landslides and seeks guidance and assistance from local administration, police, and rescue services in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted moderate to heavy rains in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad and Balochistan as well.

“Heavy rain/snowfall may disrupt and cause closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from 18 th to 20 th February. [There is] possibility of landslides in Upper KP, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period,” the NDMA said.