Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Punjab on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people and injuring hundreds of others, with widespread structural damage reported from several districts, especially due to collapsed roofs and electrocution.
The devastation is likely to continue into Thursday as officials warned the relentless monsoon system would persist until at least July 17 (today). Another 16 people were killed in rain-related incidents in Balochistan.
Structural collapses and electrocution were cited as primary causes, with most casualties recorded in Lahore, Okara, Faisalabad and surrounding districts.
In Lahore, torrential downpours measured at 170mm led to multiple deadly incidents. Sixteen people were killed and six others severely injured as three rooftops caved in across the city.
In Muridwal village near Thokar Niaz Baig, five members of the same family lost their lives, including 60-year-old Manga, his wife Ishrat (55), their daughters Khadija (3) and Latifa (4) and daughter-in-law Rani (35). The injured included 30-year-old Faisal and his five-year-old daughter Bubbly.
In Raiwind Road's Mission Colony, three people perished – Nasreen (70), Meerab (8), and Bashir (80), while another individual, Fareed (21), was rescued and hospitalised.
In nearby Kot Jamal, a roof collapse claimed the life of 35-year-old Bashir, while 32-year-old Nadeem, 29-year-old Sonia, and 8-year-old Daim were injured.
Likewise, in Okara, at least seven people, including five children, were killed due to collapsing structures, electrocution and one drowning incident.
Two girls, 10-year-old Mahnoor and 8-year-old Iqra, died after falling into an obscured well due to accumulated rainwater. Several others were injured in incidents reported from 25/2R, Sabzi Mandi, Haveli Lakha and Marola Sharif.
In Faisalabad, at least seven people died while 36 were injured in 23 separate roof collapse incidents. A 45-year-old woman Nasreen and her 14-year-old son Adeel were buried under rubble.
In Rachna Town, a couple – Shahmand (50) and his wife Riaz Bibi (40) — were killed. A two-year-old child, Ali Mohsin, died in Chak 392GB and several others were hospitalised with minor to critical injuries.
Lahore inundated
According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), monsoon rainfall was recorded across most districts, including 217mm in Sheikhupura, 170mm in Okara, 130mm in Chichawatni, 90mm in Hafizabad, and 85mm in Kasur. Other cities such as Faisalabad (60mm), Mandi Bahauddin (32mm), and Jhelum (29mm) also reported significant rain.
More downpours are expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions, with the current monsoon cycle forecast to continue until July 17.
Citizens have been advised to avoid staying in dilapidated or mud-structured homes, which accounted for most of the fatal roof collapses. PDMA has reiterated calls for precaution, especially keeping children away from electric poles, wiring, and waterlogged areas.
Twin cities spared major damage
In contrast, light to moderate rainfall in Islamabad and Rawalpindi brought temporary relief without major flooding.
According to WASA Rawalpindi, emergency protocols remained in place with heavy machinery deployed to low-lying areas.
Fortunately, water levels remained manageable with no urban flooding reported. Rainfall recorded in Rawalpindi ranged from 9mm to 23mm across different localities.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed the provision of the best possible medical care to the injured and announced financial aid to families of the deceased under provincial policy.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay informed via official alerts and cooperate with administrative staff in case of emergency evacuations. The Punjab government has pledged full support to protect lives and livestock as rains continue to lash the province.
More rains are expected through the weekend, with WASA and PDMA both maintaining high alert across the province.
Rivers swell
The PDMA has warned of potential flash flooding in hill torrents in the Dera Ghazi Khan division between July 16 and 17.
Urban flooding threats also loom over Punjab's major cities, with authorities anticipating moderate-to-high flow in the rivers Jhelum and Chenab at several key locations, including Mangla, Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad.
A low-level flood is expected at Tarbela (Indus River) and Marala (Chenab River), with the situation in upper catchments potentially worsening over the next 24 to 36 hours due to heavy upstream rains.
Commissioner and deputy commissioners across the province have been placed on high alert.
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed has directed field presence of administrative officers and emergency activation of disaster response teams, fuel reserves, and evacuation protocols.
Citizens living in riverbeds have been urged to evacuate with their livestock, and flood relief camps are being equipped with essential supplies.
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