Heavy monsoon rains have devastated several parts of Punjab, leaving at least 43 people dead in the last 24 hours. Islamabad and Rawalpindi faced severe urban flooding after receiving more than 240 millimetres of rain within just 18 hours. As water levels surged, authorities sounded sirens in areas near Nullah Leh, where the water rose as high as 23 feet. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a rain emergency and sought assistance from the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade for rescue operations.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted more rain in the coming days. WASA Rawalpindi Managing Director Saleem Ashraf confirmed that their teams and heavy machinery were deployed across low-lying areas to drain accumulated water. “Nullah Leh and all city drains are being continuously monitored,” he said. The water level had reached 22 feet at Katarian and 23 feet at Gowalmandi Bridge.
In response to the emergency, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that rescue teams were working tirelessly to handle the situation. “Government institutions are working with zeal and utmost effort. The administration has been directed to keep the public informed through sirens and announcements,” she posted on X. She urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and adhere to safety guidelines. Rescue 1122 also remained on high alert and advised residents to move to safer areas and evacuate any damaged or vulnerable buildings.
Cloudburst Hits Chakwal, Flooding Affects Jhelum and Sheikhupura
While Rawalpindi saw some relief as the rains subsided after 18 hours, other parts of Punjab experienced worsening conditions. A severe cloudburst in Chakwal resulted in a staggering 449mm of rainfall, submerging homes and streets. District officials launched rescue operations as floodwater entered houses in low-lying areas. Additional Deputy Commissioner Bilal Bin Hafeez confirmed that the administration was actively rescuing residents.
In Jhelum, continuous overnight rain caused rivers and canals to overflow. The district administration called in the army and even a helicopter to rescue those trapped in the floodwaters. Rising water levels created major difficulties for rescue teams. Meanwhile, Sheikhupura and surrounding areas were also battered by downpours reaching 217mm.
Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Secretary of Emergency Services Punjab, said the situation was extremely challenging, especially in Chakwal, which recorded over 400mm of rainfall. “Climate change is a big challenge all over the world,” he told Geo News. He revealed that at least 310 house roofs had collapsed during the monsoon season across Punjab, while 15 rain-related traffic accidents had been reported.
According to Rescue 1122 statistics, 43 people have died due to rain-related incidents across Punjab in just the last day. The casualties included 16 in Lahore, nine in Faisalabad, five in Sheikhupura, four each in Okara and Pakpattan, two in Chakwal, and one each in Mandi Bahauddin, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal. Since the start of the monsoon season on June 16, Punjab has recorded around 90 fatalities from weather-related accidents.
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The situation remains dire beyond Punjab. In Balochistan, at least 16 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents. Jahanzeb Khan Ghorezai, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), said that 11 houses were completely destroyed and 47 partially damaged in the province. He warned that the monsoon rains may continue till early September.
Meanwhile, large-scale rescue efforts continue in affected areas. In Jhelum, 50 rescuers used six boats to save 57 people trapped in rising water. Rescue teams are also active in Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, DG Khan, Attock, and Rahim Yar Khan. A total of 198 people were rescued in 129 incidents reported just yesterday. Overall, 641 individuals and 176 animals have been saved across Punjab since the onset of the emergency.
The Pakistan Army has launched its own relief operations. Soldiers reached flood-hit villages including Dhok Bhidar and Darapur in Jhelum, providing food, medical help, and transporting residents to safer areas.
Given the scale of the disaster, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for a detailed briefing on the flood situation, casualties, and infrastructure damage.
As Pakistan faces yet another destructive monsoon season, the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, better drainage systems, and stronger climate resilience measures has once again become glaringly evident.
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