ISLAMABAD – Days of relentless monsoon rains have plunged Punjab into chaos, leaving major cities grappling with urban flooding, collapsed homes, and rising death tolls.
Twin cities submerged
Islamabad and Rawalpindi were hit by an 18-hour-long downpour that unleashed over 240 millimetres of rain. The rising waters of Nullah Leh reached alarming levels—22 feet in Katarian and 23 feet at Gawalmandi—prompting authorities to sound sirens and issue evacuation alerts. WASA imposed a rain emergency, deploying machinery to drain water from low-lying areas, while Rescue 1122 was placed on high alert.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall. In preparation for any large-scale evacuation, WASA contacted the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade for assistance.
Chakwal cloudburst triggers disaster
Outside the twin cities, Chakwal witnessed one of the heaviest cloudbursts in recent memory, recording an astonishing 449 millimetres of rainfall. The resulting flash floods inundated homes and roads, forcing residents to seek shelter on higher ground. Rescue operations are ongoing, but high water levels are hampering efforts. Several small dams have overflowed, worsening the situation in surrounding areas.
Even the historic Katas Raj temple near Choa Saidan Shah was flooded.
Rising casualties
According to emergency officials, the monsoon rains have caused widespread destruction. Over 310 houses have lost their roofs, and at least 90 people have died across Punjab since June 16. In the past 24 hours alone, 43 people lost their lives, including 16 in Lahore, nine in Faisalabad, and several in Okara, Pakpatan, and Sheikhupura.
Balochistan is also facing devastation. Provincial officials confirmed 16 deaths, six injuries, and the destruction of 11 houses due to ongoing rains.
Nationwide, the NDMA reported that 54 people were killed and 227 injured in the last 24 hours, raising the total monsoon death toll to nearly 180, including 70 children.
Government response
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared an emergency in multiple districts, urging citizens to follow evacuation warnings. The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner announced a one-day public holiday to keep people safe indoors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit the NDMA headquarters for a briefing on the flood crisis.
More rain expected
The NDMA has warned of further heavy rains over the next 24 to 48 hours in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Attock, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, and other districts. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert and avoid crossing rivers, bridges, or flooded roads.
Civil and military rescue teams continue to evacuate stranded families, with 641 people and 176 animals saved so far. Relief camps are being set up in severely affected areas.