The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday issued a monsoon alert, forecasting rain across most districts of the province from August 12 to 15.

According to the PDMA, rain is expected in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Layyah, Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, among other areas.

The authority has warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan.

It also cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, while Murree, Galiyat and other mountainous areas face a risk of landslides.

Rain is also expected in the Rawalpindi and Potohar regions.

The PDMA Director General directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert following instructions from the chief minister.

District administrations have been instructed to take precautionary measures in major cities in anticipation of urban flooding caused by monsoon rains.

The health, irrigation, communications and works, local government and livestock departments have also been placed on alert.

PDMA issues safety advisory

The PDMA urged residents to take precautionary measures during periods of severe weather and avoid unnecessary travel.

Jappa advised people to stay away from dilapidated and mud-built houses, warning that such structures have been responsible for a significant number of deaths during previous monsoon seasons.

Residents were also advised to remain in safe places during storms and strong winds and avoid travelling unless necessary.