Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed chaos across Punjab, claiming at least 43 more lives in the past 24 hours and triggering severe urban flooding in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The twin cities have received over 230mm of rainfall, with a record-shattering cloudburst in Chakwal dumping 423mm of rain, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi, deploying teams and heavy machinery to low-lying areas as water levels in Nullah Leh surged by 22 feet. Sirens have been sounded and evacuation orders issued for neighborhoods at risk, with the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade on standby for emergency response.
Wasa Managing Director Saleem Ashraf reported that Nullah Leh and city drains are under constant surveillance, with water levels reaching 22 feet at Katarian and 23 feet at Gowalmandi Bridge. Rescue 1122 and district administration officials have urged residents to evacuate unsafe buildings and move to higher ground as a precaution.
Rainfall totals have been staggering: Saidpur received 53mm, Golra 77mm, Bokra 95mm, Shamsabad 67mm, Kachehri 105mm, Pirwadhai and Gowalmandi 90mm each, and Katarian 80mm.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared an emergency in several districts, calling the rains “unprecedented” and instructing government agencies to keep the public informed through sirens and announcements. She urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and follow safety guidelines.
The devastation extends beyond the twin cities. In Chakwal, a cloudburst inundated homes and forced the district administration to launch rescue operations. Additional Deputy Commissioner Bilal Bin Hafeez described the situation as dire, with civil administration teams working to evacuate residents.
Jhelum has also been hit hard, with rivers and canals overflowing and the army called in to assist with rescues. Sheikhupura and surrounding areas recorded up to 217mm of rain, while small dams in Chakwal have overflowed, flooding the historic Katas Raj temple.
Secretary Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan highlighted the scale of the disaster, noting that more than 400mm of rain fell in Chakwal alone. Since the start of the monsoon season, 310 house roofs have collapsed and 15 rain-related traffic accidents have occurred in Punjab, resulting in at least 90 deaths since June 16.
The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner has announced a one-day public holiday, urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. At least 130 incidents of roof and wall collapses have been reported across Punjab, with the latest fatalities including 16 in Lahore, five in Sheikhupura, four each in Okara and Pakpatan, two in Chakwal, nine in Faisalabad, and one each in Mandi Bahauddin, Nankana, and Sahiwal.
Balochistan has also suffered from the relentless downpour, with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Jahanzeb Khan Ghorezai confirming 16 deaths and six injuries in recent rain-related incidents. Eleven houses have been completely destroyed and 47 partially damaged in the province, with monsoon rains expected to continue until early September.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, heed official warnings, and prioritize safety as the region braces for further rainfall.
