LAHORE: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday warned of more rains in the country, especially Punjab, from Aug 23 to Aug 26, asking the relevant departments to make necessary arrangements to meet any emer-gency situation.

As per the the department, a well-marked low pressure over east Rajasthan (India)is likely to move northwest and approach Sindh tonight. Due to this strong weather system the monsoon currents are penetrating in southern and upper parts of the country.

Under the influence of this weather system, rain, windstorm/thundershowers (with isolated heavy falls) are expected in Punjab from Aug 23 (night) to Aug 26 with occasional gaps.

The possible impact of the rain include flash flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan areas f rom Aug 24 to 26.

Similarly, heavy rains may generate urban flooding in Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore and Gujranwala on Aug 24 and 25.

Flash flooding is also expected in local nullahs (drains) of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi from Aug 24 to Aug 26 and the water level is expected to rise in the streams connected to Koh-e-Sunman, Salt Range and outfall drains linked to the rivers/hill torrents may soar causing floods in the area.

The departmentwarned that rainfall may trigger landslides in Murree during the period, advising tourists to remain cautious during the forecast period.

It urged precautionary measures, including identification and establishment of safe places/relief camps by the district and municipal administrations on immediate basis.

It suggests that the residents of the most vulnerable areas should be shifted to temporary relief camps/ safe places as and when required and necessary arrangements for provision of cooked food by the district administration should be ensured in relief camps.

It further states that all required machinery,including de-watering sets, should be made available timely to avoid urban flooding.

In order to avoid epidemics, the health department should mobilise medical teams for provision of first aid to the people af fected by urban flooding and arrangements be made to mitigate ef fects of heavy rainf alls.

In order to avoid water borne diseases, it suggests medicated spray in specihed locahdes by the health department and arrangements be made to avoid incidents of electrocution during the heavy rains.

Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Faisal Farid has said quoting the Met department that severe wind pressure is present in the Rajasthan region of India and during the next 12 hours fresh monsoon winds would enter the southern and upper regions of the country with intensity.

He warned that all districts should make arrangements and be prepared for the emergency situations.

He says the water level and flow in the rivers Ravi and Chenab are normal, while there is a low-level flood in the river Indus at Taunsa. However, he adds that there is a risk of highlevel flood.