LAHORE / RAWALPINDI: Torrential monsoon rains have triggered a humanitarian crisis across Punjab, killing at least 33 people and injuring over 170 others in the past 24 hours. In response, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared a “rain emergency” throughout the province, activating emergency protocols in multiple cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
The storm system, which battered Punjab with record breaking rainfall, caused widespread urban flooding, road blockages, and building collapses. Emergency sirens were sounded in several districts as field hospitals, control rooms, and evacuation teams scrambled to respond.
High Death Toll and Injuries Across Cities
According to Rescue 1122, the most severely affected cities include:
- Lahore: 13 deaths
- Faisalabad: 8 deaths
- Pakpattan: 4 deaths
- Sheikhupura: 3 deaths
- Single fatalities were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal.
Most casualties resulted from collapsing structures, flash floods, and other rain-related accidents.
Government Response in Full Swing
CM Maryam Nawaz ordered the deployment of all relevant departments including:
- District administrations
- Police
- Rescue 1122
- Pakistan Army units
Over 400 water pumps have been deployed by WASA to drain standing water from city roads. Boats, helicopters, ambulances, and rescue trucks are operating non stop in submerged areas where road access has been cut off.
WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf is personally overseeing drainage efforts, with constant coordination from Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin and Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal.
Rainfall Breaks Records
The Pakistan Meteorological Department confirmed extraordinary rainfall levels:
- Lahore: 136 mm in just 3 hours, breaking a decades-old record
- Islamabad: 132–185 mm in various areas (Saidpur, Golra, Bokra, H-8, Shamsabad)
- Rawalpindi: 235 mm at Katcheri, 220 mm at Gawalmandi, 200 mm at New Katarian
- Chakwal: 142 mm
- Jhelum: 81 mm
Rainwater inundated major arteries such as Murree Road, Committee Chowk underpass, Banni Chowk, and Jamia Masjid Road, causing massive traffic disruptions.
Rescue Operations in Full Gear
The Pakistan Army is conducting rescue operations in Jhelum, including Dhok Bhedar and Darapur, evacuating families and delivering food, medicine, and aid.
Rescue 1122 and field hospitals are working under extreme conditions to provide emergency services where communications and roads are cut off.
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi declared a one-day public holiday, urging people to stay home and avoid unnecessary movement. Work from home arrangements were recommended.
Public Safety Advisory
The CM urged citizens to:
- Stay away from rivers, canals, and low-lying areas
- Cooperate with rescue agencies
- Follow evacuation orders and announcements
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
“Public safety is our top priority. Please follow official instructions and stay indoors unless required,” CM Maryam Nawaz said in an official tweet.
More Rain Expected
The Met Office warns that intermittent rain will continue over the next 12–20 hours, with possible thunderstorms in:
- Islamabad
- Pothohar
- Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Balochistan
- Central and Southern Punjab
Conclusion
As emergency teams remain on round the clock alert, Punjab battles one of its worst weather disasters in recent memory. With more rain forecasted and floodwaters still rising in several areas including Leh Nullah in Rawalpindi where the water level hit 21 feet at Katarian authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize safety above all.
Stay updated through official government channels.
