The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued instructions to relevant agencies to remain on high alert amid a forecast of monsoon rains in most districts of the province during the next 24 hours.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is likely in various districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad.

Likewise, rain in other districts of Punjab, including Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addo, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah and Bhakkar, has also been predicted.

The PDMA DG said that on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, an alert has been issued to the commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province, while all relevant departments, Rescue 1122, WASA and other relief agencies have been directed to be fully prepared to deal with the emergency.

According to the PDMA, the provincial control room and district emergency operation centres of all districts are monitoring the situation round the clock.

Instructions have also been issued to ensure immediate drainage of water from low-lying areas and choking points.

The PDMA has appealed to the citizens to stay away from electric poles and hanging wires during rain, avoid going into shabby and dilapidated houses and never let children go near water accumulated in low-lying areas.