Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed all relevant departments to remain fully prepared for the monsoon season, warning that temperatures could rise sharply during July, August and September while the risk of urban flooding remains high.
Climate Change Challenges and Forecast
Chairing a meeting on monsoon preparedness, the chief minister said climate change continues to pose serious challenges, with temperatures in some cities potentially reaching 52°C. She added that above-average rainfall is also expected in parts of the province.
Enhanced Preparedness Measures
Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government had intensified preparations to deal with heavy rains by fully activating the early warning system to improve weather forecasting and emergency response. She instructed all departments to stay on high alert for possible flooding and directed rescue and emergency services to regularly conduct mock drills to enhance disaster response capabilities.
The chief minister said lessons from last year's floods had been incorporated into the province's preparedness plan. She added that arrangements had also been made to ensure sufficient fodder supplies for livestock during emergencies.
Public Advisories and Heatwave Response
She further ordered authorities to issue timely public advisories on heatwaves and changing weather conditions, urging citizens to minimise outdoor exposure for children, elderly people and women during periods of extreme heat. Maryam Nawaz said Punjab had completed all necessary measures to cope with heatwave conditions and claimed that rainwater was being drained promptly across the province.
Housing Safety Initiative
Referring to the recent Kahna incident, she said the "Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar" initiative had been launched to improve housing safety. Under the programme, residents across Punjab can obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million to strengthen and renovate their homes.
