ISLAMABAD: Over 18 hours long heavy monsoon rains brought devastation to Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flooding streets, homes, and triggering emergency responses across the twin cities.
Rawalpindi recorded 237mm of rainfall, causing Nullah Lai to overflow and submerging a bridge over the Swan River. Flooding also hit the Sangjani area, prompting authorities to shut down Motorway M-1 from Islamabad Interchange to Burhan Interchange. Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to evacuate to safer locations as water has inundated homes, shops, and streets, turning many roads into rivers.
At least 24 people were reported trapped in the floodwaters, with 11 rescued so far. In one incident, a car was swept away by a flooded drain. In response, Rawalpindi authorities have declared a rain emergency and announced a one-day public holiday. Heavily affected areas include Chaklala, Bokra, and Golra, which remain submerged.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation in Rawalpindi, calling for immediate reports from the city’s Chief Commissioner and the WASA Managing Director.
Monsoon Havoc Across Punjab
Elsewhere in Punjab, torrential rains caused widespread destruction. In Jhelum and Chakwal, dozens of villages were submerged. A dam burst in Chakwal’s Tharabi area stranded at least 40 people, who were later rescued by helicopter.
Chakwal witnessed a rare cloudburst, recording an extraordinary 423mm of rainfall. Kallar Kahar and Wahali Zair each saw 325mm, while Aasidan Shah received 310mm. In Jhelum, the overflowing Nullah Banhah swept away several cattle.
In Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, unrelenting rains led to a dangerous rise in river and stream levels, raising fears of flash floods.
63 Dead, Nearly 300 Injured Across Punjab
According to official figures, at least 63 people have died and 290 have been injured in Punjab over the past 24 hours due to rain-related incidents. The casualties include 15 deaths in Lahore, 9 each in Faisalabad and Okara, 5 in Sahiwal, and 3 in Pakpattan.
Since the onset of the monsoon season, 103 deaths and 393 injuries have been reported. Additionally, 128 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and six livestock deaths recorded.
In one tragic incident in Lahore’s Akbari Gate area, a dilapidated building collapsed during the downpour, killing three members of a family. Rescue 1122 confirmed that Zulfiqar Ali’s wife, son, and grandson died in the collapse. Zulfiqar survived, while his daughter narrowly escaped after stepping out moments before the collapse. The 12-hour rescue operation faced delays due to ongoing rain, narrow lanes, and hazardous electric wiring.
Government Response and PDMA Warnings
PDMA Director-General Irfan Ali Kathia said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered compensation for victims’ families and ensured treatment for the injured. Authorities have been directed to remain on high alert and expedite water drainage in affected areas.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors and report emergencies to Rescue 1122. In Jhelum, 25 individuals were trapped in the flooding of Burhan Nullah and Dhoke Baddar — 10 were rescued by army helicopters, while life jackets were distributed to the remaining victims as rescue operations continue.
