Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to take preparatory measures as the opening spell of monsoon season starts this week in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.

The premier directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and all provincial governments to undertake precautionary measures to contain any potential damage caused by the rains.

Sharif said the authorities should keep residents of vulnerable areas informed regarding emergency procedures and ensure timely evacuations, wherever needed.

Moist currents from the Arabian Sea, which are penetrating upper and central parts of the country, and a westerly wave are giving the first pre-monsoon rains and windstorms since last week.

Storms and widespread rains, heavy at places, in most parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Kashmir last week claimed at least eight lives.

The Met department has forecast scattered wind-thunderstorm/rain with isolated moderate to heavy fall over Punjab, KP, northeast Balochistan and AJK, starting June 27.

Rain/thundershowers with isolated heavy falls and gusty winds are likely at a number of places in Punjab, Islamabad, KP, Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK throughout this week.