Punjab government issues high alert over heavy rain forecast

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has put the provincial administration on high alert ahead of heavy rainfall expected in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.

She has asked all relevant departments to stay fully prepared and respond quickly to any weather‑related emergencies. In an official statement, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to make full use of the Water and Sanitation Agency’s (WASA) resources to manage rainwater accumulation in cities.

She stressed that modern machinery and equipment must be deployed at once to drain water quickly from streets and low‑lying areas and prevent flooding. Special attention is being given to vulnerable zones where water usually builds up during heavy rains.

The chief minister also reminded officials that since the creation of WASA, citizens should feel relief and convenience during downpours. She ordered all district administrations to keep their drainage systems ready and carry out efficient cleaning and maintenance work before the rain season begins.

Flood control teams must stay on standby, and emergency response plans must be shared with local communities. Maryam Nawaz warned that any delay or negligence in handling rainwater could lead to serious problems, especially in densely populated urban areas. She asked senior officers to monitor the situation closely and report regularly to the provincial disaster management authority.