Punjab authorities have placed the province on high alert following a warning from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) about expected heavy rainfall across most districts from January 19 to January 23, 2026.
The alert comes as a westerly weather system moves in, bringing widespread rain to areas including Lahore and divisions such as Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur. Hilly regions like Murree and Galiyat face the risk of heavy rain combined with snowfall during the peak period from January 20 to 23.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia issued directions under instructions from the Punjab Chief Minister. He ordered all relevant departments to finalize precautionary steps ahead of time.
Key Preparations in Place
- Emergency control rooms must operate 24 hours a day with staff fully ready to respond.
- Rescue 1122 teams stand prepared to handle any incidents linked to the wet weather, such as flooding or road disruptions.
Officials stress the need for public caution during this spell. Residents should limit non-essential travel when conditions worsen and stick to safety advice from authorities.
Also Read: Murree Braces for Heavy Snowfall from January 17 to 21
In emergencies, people can reach out right away to the PDMA Punjab helpline at 1129 for assistance.
The forecast aligns with broader updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which points to this system affecting multiple regions of the country, including northern areas with rain and snow.
