Widespread monsoon rains are expected across most districts of Punjab today, with the fourth spell of rainfall predicted to persist until July 25, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Officials warn this spell could be more intense than previous ones, with heavy downpours forecast in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, and Mandi Bahauddin, as well as Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala.
Rain is also likely to drench Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Multan.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali cautioned that rainfall in the upper catchment areas of rivers could lead to increased water flow, raising the risk of flooding. Alerts have been issued for potential flooding in Punjab’s rivers and streams, with rising water levels expected in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. The Indus River is already experiencing a moderate-level flood at Taunsa, while low-level floods are ongoing at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.
Death Toll Rises Amid Torrential Rains
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Sunday that 13 more people lost their lives in rain-related incidents over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since June 26 to at least 216. Most fatalities have been caused by flooding and structural collapses, particularly the collapse of poorly constructed roofs.
Punjab has borne the brunt of the devastation, with 135 deaths reported, followed by 42 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 21 in Sindh, 16 in Balochistan, and one each in Islamabad and Azad Kashmir. Tragically, 101 children are among the victims.
In the last 24 hours, 12 deaths were reported in Punjab and one in KP, including four children and three women, according to the NDMA.
Karachi Sees Light Showers, More Rain Expected
Meanwhile, Karachi experienced light rain early Sunday morning, bringing relief to residents after days of overcast skies. The Meteorological Department has forecast cloudy weather with chances of rain over the next 24 hours. Temperatures in the city are expected to range between 32°C and 34°C, with humidity at 75%. A sea breeze from the southwest is blowing at 11 km/h.
Light rain was recorded in several areas, including Malir, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Shah Faisal, North Karachi, Surjani Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, and Saddar. The highest rainfall was recorded at 2.3mm on University Road, while other areas, such as the airport and PAF Base Faisal, saw 2mm. Korangi and Jinnah Terminal recorded 1.4mm, while Keamari and Surjani Town received just 0.2mm.
The Met Office has also indicated that another monsoon system may affect Sindh in late July.
