Rain-induced disasters claim hundreds in Punjab
Rescue officials ferry stranded villagers to safety as floodwaters engulf low-lying areas near Narowal amid relentless monsoon rains sweeping across Punjab. PHOTO: ONLINE
The Emergency Services Department (ESD) of Punjab has revealed alarming statistics for the month of July 2025, reporting a sharp rise in rain-related emergencies including 2,586 electrocution cases, 306 structural collapses and 170 incidents of drowning.
These figures were shared during an operational review meeting chaired by Punjab Secretary Emergency Services Department, Dr Rizwan Naseer, at Rescue 1122 Headquarters.
The meeting was attended by divisional emergency officers and departmental heads, while district emergency officers joined via video link to discuss their performance, major emergencies and lessons learned.
Dr Rizwan Naseer was informed that Rescue 1122 responded to 225,842 emergencies and rescued 278,756 people across Punjab last month.
The emergencies included 150,179 medical cases, 38,877 road traffic crashes, 6,711 fall incidents, 6,382 childbirth emergencies, 4,383 crime cases, 2,372 occupational injuries, 1,962 animal rescues, 1,538 fire incidents, 327 burn cases, 306 building collapses, 170 drowning cases, and 10,049 miscellaneous operations.
Expressing concern over the surge in weather-related incidents, Dr Rizwan urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, particularly in low-lying and hilly areas.
He also warned citizens to stay away from electric poles, open wires, and appliances during downpours and to inspect rooftops and drainage systems to avoid accidents.
The report further disclosed that 387 people died in 38,877 road traffic crashes during the month.
Lahore witnessed the highest number of traffic accidents with 7,213 cases resulting in 36 deaths, followed by Faisalabad (2,588), Multan (2,530), Gujranwala (1,942), Sheikhupura (1,368), and Rawalpindi (1,318).
The remaining 21,981 accidents occurred across other districts of the province.
In terms of fire emergencies, Lahore once again topped the list with 396 incidents, followed by Faisalabad (188), Multan (102), Rawalpindi (84), Rahim Yar Khan (72), and Gujranwala (53).
Dr Rizwan also acknowledged the bravery and performance of fire and rescue teams, especially in major operations during July. He praised Fire Rescue Service Lahore for its timely response that saved Hafeez Centre from a major blaze. However, he expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of two rescuers who lost their lives during a challenging fire operation in a congested residential area.