ISLAMABAD: Punjab is set to experience its fourth and most intense monsoon spell of the season starting today, with heavy rainfall expected to continue until July 25, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
In its latest alert, the PDMA has warned of severe weather conditions and potential flooding across several districts. Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhang, and Mianwali are expected to receive heavy downpours, along with Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala.
The heavy rains pose a serious risk of water accumulation in low-lying areas and flooding in local rivers.
PDMA Director General cautioned that this spell is significantly stronger than the previous ones, with the possibility of an unusual surge in river flows, particularly in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab.
The latest PDMA report notes medium-level flooding in the Indus River at Taunsa, while low-level flooding has been recorded at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.
District administrations throughout the province have been placed on high alert. Rescue services, flood control centers, and other relevant departments have been instructed to prepare for any potential emergencies.
The PDMA has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and canals, and strictly follow local authorities’ instructions to minimize risks to life and property.
Meanwhile, The Pothohar region was also among the worst-hit areas by the torrential rains which swept across the Punjab province on Thursday, triggering widespread flooding and prompting rescue operations by Pakistan Army personnel. More than 1,000 people were evacuated to safety, officials confirmed.
A rain emergency has been declared in Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi, where the downpour caused rivers and drains to overflow, stranding residents in several low-lying areas. Helicopters were deployed as part of the emergency response to access areas cut off by floodwaters.
According to a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), about 398 people were rescued in Jhelum alone, with 160 airlifted to safety. In Chakwal, 209 individuals were evacuated — 182 by local authorities and 27 via helicopter.
In Rawalpindi, the district administration moved 450 people to secure locations. Notably, six people trapped in Nala Lai were rescued by helicopter in a high-risk operation.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia praised the coordinated efforts, stating that no casualties had been reported due to the timely response. He urged citizens to remain alert, noting that above-normal rainfall is expected this monsoon season, with the fourth wave of rains beginning July 21.
Kathia advised the public to take precautionary measures and stay in safe areas, assuring that all available resources will be mobilized to protect lives and property during the ongoing monsoon.
Several killed in Punjab province
Several people were killed in the last 24 hours in Punjab province amid devastating rains. At least 54 people have died in the past 24 hours across Punjab due to monsoon havoc, bringing Pakistan’s total monsoon death toll to 178.
The monsoon havoc has severely disrupted life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, triggering flash floods, overflowing drains, and inundating entire neighbourhoods.
In Rawalpindi, hours of continuous rain caused Nullah Lai to swell dangerously, with floodwaters sweeping away vehicles and submerging low-lying areas. Authorities issued evacuation alerts for residents in Katarian and Gawalmandi as a precautionary measure.
