LAHORE – July 17, 2025: The Government of Punjab has imposed Section 144 across the province and declared a rain emergency in several districts after relentless monsoon rains triggered flooding, resulting in over 60 deaths and hundreds of injuries in the past 24 hours.
Death Toll Rises Amid Monsoon Havoc
According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 63 people have lost their lives and 290 others injured due to heavy monsoon downpours. The highest fatalities were reported in:
- Lahore: 15 deaths
- Faisalabad: 9 deaths
- Okara: 9 deaths
- Sahiwal: 5 deaths
- Pakpattan: 3 deaths
Families of the deceased will be provided government compensation, the PDMA confirmed.
Section 144 Enforced Province-Wide
In light of the rising flood threat, the Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 to ban bathing and swimming in:
- Accumulated rainwater on roads and streets
- Rivers, canals, dams, ponds, lakes, and distributaries
This order will remain in force for 45 days and aims to prevent drowning incidents and electrocution as water levels rise dangerously across the province.
Punjab Declares Rain Emergency in Key Districts
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed that a rain and flood emergency has been declared in flood-hit districts, urging citizens to:
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Stay clear of power lines and open manholes
- Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities
She also directed that emergency alerts be issued using sirens and public announcements in high-risk areas.
Rescue Operations Underway in Flooded Regions
Major rescue and evacuation operations are ongoing in:
- Jhelum (Dhok Biddar, Sohawa, Chak Muhammad, etc.)
- Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Mianwali, and Dera Ghazi Khan
With support from the Pakistan Army, over 15,000 rescue personnel and 800 boats have been mobilized, according to Rescue 1122.
A family stranded in Rawalpindi’s Chakri Road was successfully rescued via helicopter, reported Radio Pakistan.
Chakwal Hit by Cloudburst, Records 400mm Rain in 10 Hours
The Chakwal district was severely affected by a cloudburst, recording 400mm of rainfall, leading to flash floods and infrastructure damage. Relief efforts are ongoing, with support from PDMA, Rescue 1122, and WASA teams.
Flood Alert Issued for Rawalpindi’s Leh Nullah
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a flood warning for Gawalmandi and Kattarian in Rawalpindi as water levels in Leh Nullah surged beyond the 20-foot danger mark. Although levels have since receded, residents of low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert and cooperate with evacuation orders.
The PDMA has provided emergency equipment including:
- 16 motor boats, 205 life jackets
- 31 ambulances, 19 fire brigade vehicles
- De-watering pumps and suction machines
More Rains Forecasted Across Punjab and Other Regions
The NDMA and PMD have warned of continued heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours across multiple districts:
- Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Attock, Sargodha, Jhelum, and Gujrat
Urban flooding remains a major concern, especially in low-lying and densely populated areas.
Monsoon Death Toll Crosses 170 Nationwide
Since the beginning of the monsoon season on June 26, a total of 178 people have died and 491 injured across Pakistan:
- Punjab: 103 deaths, 385 injuries
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 38 deaths
- Sindh: 20 deaths
- Balochistan: 16 deaths
- Azad Kashmir: 1 death
Over 57% of deaths were due to house collapses, with more than 600 homes damaged and 126 livestock killed.
Tragedy in Mandi Bahauddin: Child Dead, 11 Injured
In Mandi Bahauddin, 167mm of rainfall in 24 hours led to:
- One child’s death by drowning
- Two boys injured by electrocution
- Nine injured in roof collapse incidents
Several areas remain submerged under 2–4 feet of water.
Stay Safe: Public Safety Tips During Monsoon Flooding
- Avoid travel during heavy rain
- Do not bathe or wade in floodwaters
- Stay away from electrical installations
- Contact Rescue 1122 or local authorities in case of emergency
