A sudden monsoon downpour in Punjab Province has left at least 63 people dead and 290 injured within the past 24 hours, according to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Heavy rainfall stretched through major cities including Lahore (15), Faisalabad (9), Sahiwal (5), Pakpattan (3), and Okara (9), with officials now declaring a rain emergency in several districts.
Floodwaters Overflow Rivers and Nullahs
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast torrential rain and thunderstorms until July 17. As a result, rivers in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and nearby areas have overflowed, causing widespread flash floods, confirmed Wasa Director General Tayyab Farid. Authorities have issued alerts for high-risk areas such as the Gawalmandi and Kattarian bridges near Leh Nullah, where water levels are steadily rising. Residents in low-lying zones are urged to evacuate if needed.
Evacuations and Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams and army personnel are working around the clock to evacuate citizens from flood-affected villages in Jhelum, including Dhok Badar, Sohawa, and Rasoolpur. More than 50 boats have been deployed so far, and 57 individuals have been successfully rescued. In Chakwal, a sudden cloudburst resulted in 400 mm of rainfall within just 10 hours. Authorities are coordinating rescue efforts involving departments like Wasa, Rescue 1122, and Civil Defence while converting public venues and hospitals into relief shelters.
Infrastructure Crumbles, Warnings Issued
Mandi Bahauddin saw tragic loss with a 10-year-old drowning while bathing in rainwater and two young boys electrocuted during the downpour. Collapsing roofs injured nine more. Major thoroughfares—such as College Chowk and Jail Chowk—are submerged under 2–4 feet of water. In response, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and district officials in Islamabad have been placed on high alert, with emergency teams on standby to provide immediate assistance.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) forecasts another day of rain and thunderstorms across Punjab districts, including Lahore, Jhelum, Sargodha, and Faisalabad. This marks another devastating turn in the monsoon season, which routinely brings floods, evacuations, and infrastructure damage across Pakistan from June through September.
