Punjab Worst Hit as Monsoon Claims 266 Lives Across Pakistan: NDMA Report
LAHORE: Punjab has emerged as the most severely impacted province in Pakistan during the ongoing monsoon season, recording the highest number of fatalities and injuries in rain related incidents, according to the latest report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Since the monsoon began in late June, a total of 266 people have died and 628 others injured nationwide due to weather-related incidents. The tragic death toll includes 94 men, 46 women, and 126 children, reflecting the widespread impact across all demographics. In just the past 24 hours, eight additional deaths and six injuries were reported, further escalating the crisis.
Among the latest fatalities, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) accounted for three deaths and five injuries, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) each reported two deaths, while Sindh recorded one fatality.
Punjab has suffered the most, with 144 deaths and 488 injuries, followed by K-P with 63 deaths and 79 injuries, Sindh with 25 deaths and 40 injuries, and Balochistan with 16 deaths and four injuries. Islamabad reported eight fatalities, G-B seven, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) recorded two.
The monsoon season has also caused widespread damage to homes and livestock. Over the past day alone, 84 houses were damaged and 38 animals perished. Since the season began, 1,089 houses have been either damaged or completely demolished, and 366 animals have died in floods or heavy rainfall.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued fresh warnings of flash floods in local streams and nullahs, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan, and urban flooding in low-lying areas of northeastern and eastern Punjab. These threats remain active through Thursday evening and night.
According to the PMD, a seasonal low-pressure system over northeastern Balochistan, combined with moist air currents from the Arabian Sea, and a westerly wave, is contributing to the current weather instability.
The forecast predicts rain, wind, and thundershowers at scattered locations in Kashmir, K-P, upper and central Punjab, G-B, and northeastern Balochistan. Heavy downpours are especially expected in upper K-P, central Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan. Elsewhere, hot and humid weather will persist.
On Friday, most regions will continue to experience hot and humid conditions, with isolated rainfall expected in G-B, northeastern Punjab, K-P, and Kashmir.
Notable rainfall figures from the last 24 hours include:
- Sargodha & Sheikhupura: 69mm
- Noor Pur Thal & Hafizabad: 59mm
- Mandi Bahauddin: 51mm
- Lahore: 2mm (Mughalpura) to 43mm (Iqbal Town)
- Barkhan (Balochistan): 29mm
- Cherat (K-P) and Gilgit (G-B): 9mm each
Meanwhile, scorching temperatures continued across some regions, with highs of 44°C in Nokundi, 43°C in Dadu, and 41°C in Sibbi, Rohri, and Panjgur.
Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, monitor weather updates, and follow safety advisories to mitigate risks during the ongoing monsoon spell.
