Heavy rains kill 63 people in Punjab as floods paralyze life

At least 63 people have died in rain-related incidents across Punjab during the past 36 hours as heavy monsoon downpours brought life to a standstill in many parts of the province.

In Lahore, three people were killed when the roof of a house collapsed in Akbari Gate, while in Faisalabad, a mother and daughter lost their lives in a similar incident at Iqbal Colony.

In Chiniot, heavy rains caused electric poles and wires to fall on railway tracks, suspending railway traffic.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi Flooded

The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi witnessed record-breaking rainfall. Rawalpindi received 220mm of rain, while a cloudburst in Chakwal brought 425mm of rain in a short time, leading to urban flooding.

Local drains and nullahs in Rawalpindi overflowed, and sirens were sounded in the area as Lai Nullah surged to 19 feet at Gawalmandi. Roads in low-lying areas and Murree Road were completely submerged.

The Met Office has predicted more rain for the coming hours in the region.

Chakwal and Surrounding Areas Hit Hard

Dozens of villages in Chakwal and Jhelum were flooded after the cloudburst. At least two people died in the district, and flash floods swept away Panwal Dam. Several villages were cut off from the main city, and armed forces were called in to assist the local administration.

In Jhelum, 29 people stranded in floodwaters were rescued by army troops during relief operations.

Widespread Damage Across Punjab

Secretary of Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan reported that managing the situation in Chakwal was challenging due to more than 400 mm of rain. He revealed that since June 16, around 90 people have died in various rain-related incidents across Punjab.

At least 43 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, with fatalities spread across several cities:

• Lahore: 16 deaths

• Faisalabad: 9 deaths

• Sheikhupura: 5 deaths

• Okara and Pakpatan: 4 deaths each

• Chakwal: 2 deaths

• Other cities: 3 deaths

In total, 310 house roofs have collapsed this monsoon season, and 15 traffic accidents have occurred due to heavy rains.

The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner has announced a one-day holiday in the district and urged residents to stay indoors.

Balochistan Also Affected

In Balochistan, 16 people died and six were injured in rain-related incidents. According to PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan Ghorezai, 11 houses were completely destroyed and 47 were partially damaged in the province.

Monsoon rains are expected to continue till early September.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Rescue efforts by civil and military teams are underway in Punjab. In Jhelum, 57 people have been rescued from flash floods. Rescue teams are also active in Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, DG Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan.

So far, 641 people and 176 animals have been rescued in Punjab during various operations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to review the situation and oversee rescue efforts.

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