Urban areas in Punjab are at risk of flooding as continuous monsoon rains batter parts of the country, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue fresh warnings. In its latest advisory, the PDMA highlighted the risk of urban flooding in major cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala, with additional rainfall expected in Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot over the next 24 hours.
According to the PDMA director general, flooding may also occur in rivers Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi, as rainfall in upper regions continues to raise water levels. The monsoon spell is forecast to persist until at least July 31, keeping several low-lying areas vulnerable to waterlogging and flash floods.
In Rawalpindi, local authorities have declared a rain emergency after receiving significant rainfall. The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) recorded over 80 millimetres of precipitation citywide. Specific localities such as Golra and Bokra reported rainfall of 30mm and 32mm, respectively. Meanwhile, Islamabad’s Saidpur area witnessed 90mm of rainfall during the latest downpour.
The consistent showers are not only creating urban challenges but have also contributed to a rising national death toll. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that seven more people have died due to rain-related incidents, bringing the total fatalities during this year’s monsoon season to 288. Injuries have reached 690 across the country.
Punjab remains the most affected region, with six deaths and 14 injuries reported in the last 24 hours. The province now accounts for 157 total deaths and 549 injuries. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported one new fatality, increasing its death toll to 64 with 80 injured. Sindh also confirmed a single new death, pushing the total to 20, alongside 40 injuries.
Balochistan’s casualty figures stand at 20 fatalities and four injuries. In Gilgit Baltistan, nine people have died and nine others were injured since the beginning of the monsoon spell. Islamabad has recorded eight deaths and three injuries. Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reported two deaths and 10 injuries.
A breakdown of the deceased reveals that 101 men, 51 women, and 136 children have lost their lives in weather-related incidents across the country. Among the injured are 262 men, 197 women, and 231 children, underlining the wide-reaching human impact of the ongoing monsoon crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by local administrations. With rains expected to continue through the end of July, preparations for emergency response and evacuation remain a top priority in affected regions.
