The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday said that rains were expected in most districts of the province from January 19 to January 23, while there was a prediction for a heavy snowfall in Murree, Galyat and other mountainous areas.The PDMA said that showers had been forecast for Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions during the aforementioned period. 

In view of the forecast, PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia directed all concerned departments to remain on a high alert. “On the instructions of the Punjab chief minister, complete all arrangements to deal with any emergency,” he said, and also directed the district administration and concerned departments in Murree to remain on their toes. 

Kathia directed that the staff at all emergency control rooms and Rescue 1122 Disaster Response Teams must remain prepared round the clock. “Facilitation centers have been set up at different places in Murree to facilitate tourists,” he informed. The DG also asked people to take precautionary measures and avoid travelling during inclement weather. “In case of an emergency, dial helpline number 1129.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)