On Tuesday, Irfan Kathia, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, visited the head office of the Meteorological Department in Lahore. This visit was part of ongoing efforts to bolster preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
He was accompanied by PDMA Director Zaheer Baig and other senior officials. During the visit, Chief Meteorologist Zaheer Babar provided a detailed briefing on the Meteorological Department’s operations and the expected weather patterns for this year. According to the Met Office, monsoon rains this year are predicted to be 25% above the average, with August likely to experience the highest concentration of rainfall and cloud activity.
Irfan Kathia affirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to address the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Punjab. He assured that early warnings would be issued in major cities, including Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, to help minimize damage and ensure public safety.
A specific focus was placed on urban flooding and the risk of cloudbursts. The DG PDMA and the chief meteorologist agreed to jointly formulate a comprehensive response plan to manage such extreme weather events.
The meeting also included a review of water levels in rivers and a discussion of flood threats in Rod Kohi. PDMA Punjab confirmed that early warning systems for potential flood torrents in these regions will be activated in advance to protect vulnerable communities.
Kathia toured the control room of the Meteorological Department and examined their real-time monitoring systems. He commended the efficiency and communication between PDMA Punjab and the Meteorological Department, highlighting their coordination as a crucial strength in handling monsoon-related emergencies.
