Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to take preventive measures in the face of heavy rains in the country.
Taking notice of the sufferings of people due to accumulation of water caused by heavy rains in Lahore, he directed the administration to take immediate steps for drainage of rain water in the city.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to fully activate rescue teams and other concerned departments and to monitor the situation constantly. He further instructed to ensure continuity of traffic movement and identification of alternate routes.
The Prime Minister directed the provincial and district administrations to collaborate in rescue and relief operations and provide safety to the people.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms have affected the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, leading to issues in their sewerage systems.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast rainfall of 58mm in the two cities. Meanwhile, sewerage lines remain blocked after accumulation of rainwater in various areas.
In Rawalpindi, roads, particularly at Bohar Bazar, Moti Bazar, Jamia Masjid Road, and Sadiqabad, are affected by accumulated water leading to ongoing disruptions to life in both Pindi and the federal capital.
To worsen conditions for residents of the twin cities, sewage lines remain blocked with water making its way into shops and houses.
Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Muhammad Tanveer said that the agencies' staff is present on the ground with machinery for drainage in low-lying areas.
A day earlier, the Met department's forecast showed partly cloudy weather with rain-wind and thundershower (isolated heavyfalls/hailstorm) in Islamabad, with the temperature to fluctuate between 35°C to 37°C.
PMD also shared that dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in upper/central Punjab, Islamabad, Pothohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north/east Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
"Isolated heavyfalls (with isolated hail storm) is also expected in Northeast Punjab, Potohar region, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir during the period," the Met Office said in its daily forecast update.
