With a fresh monsoon spell set to drench Punjab from July 29 through August 5, the province faces a dual threat: widespread rainfall that could trigger urban flooding in major cities and landslides in the hills, even as rivers already running high from earlier downpours strain against their banks. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a detailed advisory that goes beyond a simple weather forecast, spelling out specific risks for dozens of districts and ordering emergency preparations across multiple government departments. Main Developments PDMA's advisory forecasts rain with wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy to very heavy falls, across a broad swath of northern and central Punjab—from Rawalpindi, Murree, and the Galiyat through Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sargodha—between July 29 and August 4, with occasional breaks. A separate spell of rain and thundershowers is expected in southern districts including Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur from July 31 to August 3. Urban flooding is a particular concern for low-lying areas in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan, while Murree, Galiyat, and other hilly districts face the risk of landslides. Heavy rainfall in upper catchments could raise water levels in eastern rivers and adjoining nullahs, increasing the chance of flash flooding in seasonal streams. Read also: 4 steps Punjab is taking to eliminate hepatitis by 2026 Director General PDMA Umar Mela confirmed that all commissioners and deputy commissioners have been directed to remain on high alert, following instructions from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. District administrations have been ordered to prepare in advance, especially in cities vulnerable to urban flooding, and departments of health, irrigation, communications and works, local government, and livestock have been placed on standby. Authorities have been told to keep emergency staff and machinery ready, ensure timely desilting of drains, maintain inter-departmental coordination, and disseminate weather advisories to the public without delay. Mela urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during storms, stay away from rivers, streams, and flooded roads, and not reside in dilapidated or mud houses—noting that a significant number of monsoon fatalities this season have resulted from collapsed weak structures. Background This is the fourth monsoon spell of the season, and the PDMA's separate river flow update shows the cumulative effect of earlier rains. Over the past 24 hours, water flows in Punjab's rivers have generally declined, but several key points remain under stress. A low-level flood continues at Kalabagh and Taunsa on the Indus River, with flows recorded at 301,000 cusecs and 385,000 cusecs, respectively, though the Taunsa Barrage flow remains within normal parameters. The Chenab River's flood situation is improving, with flows at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu, and Panjnad returning to normal. Water levels in the Sutlej and Jhelum rivers are also within normal limits. However, a low-level flood persists on the Ravi River at Balloki and Sidhnai, where flows stand at 63,000 cusecs and 53,000 cusecs, while Jassar and Shahdara remain normal. Two nullahs are causing particular concern: Nala Palkhu in Wazirabad is experiencing a high flood at 4,000 cusecs, and Nala Basantar in Narowal remains at low flood with 1,000 cusecs. Mela attributed the increased river flows to rainfall in upper catchments, but noted that as rain has subsided in the Chenab catchment area, flood levels there have receded steadily. Why It Matters The convergence of fresh rainfall on already saturated ground and elevated river levels raises the stakes for millions of Punjab residents. Urban flooding in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala can paralyze transportation, damage property, and create public health hazards from stagnant water. In hilly areas, landslides pose a direct threat to life and infrastructure. The PDMA's specific warnings about mud and dilapidated houses highlight a recurring vulnerability: monsoon fatalities this season have frequently resulted from building collapses rather than drowning. The advisory also underscores the need for parents to keep children away from stagnant water, low-lying areas, and electricity poles or hanging power lines, and to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms due to lightning risk. What's Next The seven-day rain spell will unfold in two phases, with northern and central districts affected first, followed by southern districts from July 31 onward. District administrations are expected to finalize their emergency preparations, including drain desilting and machinery deployment, before the heaviest rains arrive. The PDMA will continue monitoring river flows and nullah levels, particularly Nala Palkhu and Nala Basantar, where flood conditions persist. Citizens in vulnerable areas should follow official advisories and remain