ISLAMABAD: The ongoing monsoon rains have unleashed widespread devastation across Pakistan, resulting in at least 105 fatalities and over 211 injuries between June 26 and July 13, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The casualties include 49 children, 38 men, and 18 women, with one additional death reported in Khanewal in the past 24 hours. Among the injured are 81 men, 82 children, and 48 women, highlighting the human toll of the unrelenting weather.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, the floods have wreaked havoc on infrastructure and homes. The NDMA reported damage to more than 10 kilometers of roads and nine bridges. Flash floods and heavy rainfall have completely destroyed 145 houses and partially damaged 310 others.
Punjab Bears the Brunt of rains; Lahore Reports Most Deaths
Punjab has emerged as the hardest-hit province. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed 44 deaths and 134 injuries so far this monsoon season. Rain-related incidents have also impacted 50 homes and led to the deaths of six livestock.
According to PDMA data, 27 people were killed in building collapses, five lost their lives due to lightning strikes, four were electrocuted, and eight drowned while bathing in rain-fed streams or floodwaters.
In the last 24 hours alone, four more people lost their lives—two in Okara and two in Bahawalnagar—while 25 others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents.
Emergency Response and Public Advisory
PDMA Director General Imran Qureshi confirmed that emergency medical services are being provided to the injured and urged the public to take all necessary precautions.
“Children must be kept away from electric wires, poles, and waterlogged areas. Citizens are strongly advised to remain vigilant during the ongoing monsoon spell,” he said.
More Rain Ahead
The PDMA has forecast further rainfall in the coming days across Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, and Multan divisions as the third spell of the monsoon continues through July 17.
Local authorities have been instructed to expedite drainage operations in low-lying areas to reduce flood risks and prevent further damage.
