Rawalpindi: At least 63 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured over the past 24 hours as torrential monsoon rains swept across multiple cities and towns in Punjab, prompting large-scale evacuations and emergency rescue efforts led by the Pakistan Army.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the latest casualties bring the total death toll this monsoon season to 103, with 393 injured and 128 houses damaged across the province.
The worst-hit areas include Lahore, where 15 deaths were reported, followed by Faisalabad and Okara with nine fatalities each, Sahiwal with five, and Pakpattan with three, the PDMA spokesperson confirmed. Most of the deaths occurred due to roof collapses of mud structures, prompting authorities to urge residents to vacate dilapidated homes.
Chakwal Faces Catastrophic Flooding
In Chakwal, where 400mm of rainfall was recorded within 24 hours, a full-scale army-led rescue operation is under way. Military helicopters and rescue personnel have been mobilised to evacuate residents stranded by flash floods. The operation will continue until all affected individuals are safely relocated, officials said.
A private dam near Dharabi also collapsed under pressure from the deluge, damaging adjacent link roads. While no casualties were reported in the dam breach, local residents warned of similar risks from other small, unregulated dams in the area.
Nationwide Alerts and Weather Warnings
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued widespread flood warnings, cautioning that continued heavy rainfall could lead to further inundation in several districts, including Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Okara, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot.
In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, intermittent rain is forecast to persist over the next 24–48 hours. While floodwaters in Nullah Lai have started receding, the NDMA has warned residents of low-lying areas to remain on alert and evacuate immediately if sirens are sounded.
Rawalpindi Declares Emergency Holiday
As a precautionary measure, the Rawalpindi administration has declared a one-day public holiday for all government offices. The district received over 200mm of rainfall, with Nullah Lai swelling to a dangerous 21 feet near Gawalmandi before subsiding.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 235mm in Golmandi, 220mm in Katarian, and 202mm in Pirwadhai — some of the highest levels seen in years.
Extensive Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue 1122 has deployed over 15,000 personnel and 800 boats for flood response across Punjab. In Jhelum, teams rescued 57 people from flood-hit villages such as Dhok Shah Arif, Chak Mohammada, and Bhampar, with continued efforts under way in Attock, DG Khan, Mianwali, Rajanpur, and Leh.
In Chakwal’s Nikka Kalan and Mouza Dhok Badr, nearly 40 people trapped by flash floods were airlifted with army support.
Three Children Drown in Haroonabad
A tragic incident was reported from Chak 18 in Haroonabad Tehsil, where three children drowned while playing in accumulated rainwater. Rescue 1122 officials responded promptly, but despite CPR efforts, the children could not be revived.
Flight Disruptions at Islamabad Airport
The Islamabad International Airport also faced disruptions, with over 30 flight departures delayed due to persistent downpours. Civil aviation officials advised passengers to stay in touch with airlines and plan for delays.
