Heavy monsoon rains continued to batter Punjab and several other parts of Pakistan on Saturday, causing more deaths, widespread flooding and growing concerns over rising river levels. The latest spell of rain disrupted daily life across many districts, while authorities intensified rescue and relief efforts in vulnerable areas.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 11 more people lost their lives and 25 others sustained injuries during the past 24 hours. Consequently, the nationwide death toll from monsoon-related incidents since June 26 has climbed to 97, while the number of injured has reached 297.
Meanwhile, officials have urged residents living near rivers, seasonal streams and low-lying areas to remain alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days.
Nationwide Death Toll Continues to Rise
The NDMA reported that the latest fatalities have further increased the human cost of this year’s monsoon season. Among the 97 people who have died since June 26 are 43 children, 33 men and 21 women.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded the highest number of fatalities with 52 deaths. Punjab follows with 29 deaths. In addition, Azad Jammu and Kashmir has reported seven deaths, while Balochistan has recorded six. Sindh has confirmed two fatalities, whereas Gilgit-Baltistan has reported one death.
Besides the loss of lives, the rains have caused significant damage to public infrastructure and private property. According to the NDMA, 447 houses have been damaged, 269 livestock have been lost, while six bridges and nine kilometres of roads have also suffered damage.
Fresh Monsoon Spell Batters Punjab
A third spell of monsoon rain began across Punjab before the second spell had completely ended. As a result, Lahore and several other districts received intermittent heavy rainfall throughout the day.
The downpours inundated low-lying areas, disrupted traffic and affected routine activities across the province. Moreover, authorities warned that water levels in rivers and seasonal streams could continue to rise if rainfall persists.
Several rain-related accidents were also reported across Punjab.
In Lahore, three people died and four others suffered injuries after the roof of a house collapsed during heavy rain.
Similarly, tragedy struck Gujrat, where three siblings lost their lives after the roof of their home collapsed in Burh Wala Mohalla of Karianwala.
The victims were identified as 15-year-old Iman Aslam, 13-year-old Falak Sher and 11-year-old Ali.
Meanwhile, Gujrat continued to receive intermittent rainfall throughout the day. Officials recorded 192 millimetres of rain, causing water up to three feet deep to accumulate on major roads. Floodwater also entered homes in several low-lying neighbourhoods, forcing residents to move towards safer locations.
Authorities also reported additional incidents involving roof collapses and electrocution in other districts.
During the past 24 hours, Sargodha recorded the highest rainfall in Punjab with 105 millimetres. Lahore received 88 millimetres, followed by Hafizabad with 77 millimetres, Okara with 73 millimetres and Bahawalnagar with 63 millimetres.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the current spell of monsoon rain will continue until July 27.
Flood Risks Increase Across Major Rivers
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority stated that the flood situation has become more concerning in several parts of Punjab.
According to the authority, the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at Tarbela and Chashma. Meanwhile, the Chenab River is flowing at high flood levels at Head Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad.
Authorities have already repaired breaches in the Dek Nullah near Narowal and an embankment in Sheikhupura. At the same time, precautionary evacuations from vulnerable settlements located near riverbanks have started.
In Jhelum, continuous rainfall lasting nearly 10 hours caused a protective embankment along the Banhan seasonal stream to collapse near Mamyan. Consequently, floodwater moved towards nearby villages.
Residents said local communities had constructed the embankment after severe flooding struck the same area last year. They also claimed that despite repeated requests, no permanent flood protection structure had been built.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Affected Areas
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to speed up drainage operations across the province. Accordingly, district administrations have deployed heavy machinery to remove accumulated rainwater from urban areas.
Furthermore, rescue teams have established relief camps and positioned rescue boats in flood-prone districts as water levels continue to rise.
Authorities have once again advised residents, especially those living near rivers, streams and low-lying localities, to remain vigilant and follow official evacuation advisories whenever necessary.
With another spell of heavy rainfall expected over the coming days, disaster management agencies continue to monitor the evolving situation while emergency teams remain on high alert across the affected regions.
