• Heavy rain, windstorms, and hail expected in Punjab and Islamabad
• Rs550m allocated for flood and erosion control; water filtration plants for Cholistan
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert warning of severe conditions across parts of Punjab and Islamabad today, urging the public—especially tourists—to stay cautious.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), a westerly system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms. The NDMA cautioned that these conditions could cause tree falls, power outages, and damage to infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, and crops.
Tourists and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and to follow safety guidance, particularly in areas prone to landslides. The NDMA is monitoring the situation in coordination with provincial and district disaster management authorities for timely response.
Punjab Approves Climate Resilience Projects for Cholistan
Meanwhile, the Punjab cabinet committee on disaster management has approved a set of projects aimed at strengthening the province’s climate resilience, with a special focus on Cholistan.
Chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique, the meeting sanctioned several key initiatives:
- Rs550 million allocated for six schemes to protect against flooding, riverbank erosion, and to reinforce the Walewala Dam in Kasur and protective structures in Layyah and Jhang.
- Four Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration plants approved for installation in Cholistan to address water scarcity.
- A population mapping survey in riverine areas was also greenlit, with Phase 1 focused on areas along the Indus River and nearby hill torrents.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Ahmed Raza Sarwar, Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed, and PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia.
