PDMA issues rain alert across Punjab

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority issued a rain alert on Thursday for most districts of the province, warning of possible flooding in streams and nullahs due to expected heavy rainfall.

According to a Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) spokesperson, westerly winds have entered northern parts of Punjab, bringing the likelihood of widespread rain from Thursday night until October 7.

Rainfall is forecast in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad, while showers are also expected in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Nankana Sahib and Toba Tek Singh.

From now until October 6, thunderstorms with rain are also expected in Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

The PDMA warned that Rawalpindi, Murree and Galiyat may see a rise in water flow in local streams. Commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab have been directed to stay on alert, with instructions also sent to departments including local government, agriculture, irrigation, health, forestry, livestock and transport.

PDMA urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, follow official guidelines and cooperate with district administrations and rescue services. In case of emergency, residents can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.

Read: Floods claim 1,006 lives, including 275 children

Earlier, at least 1,006 people — including 275 children, 568 men, and 163 women — have lost their lives in flood-hit regions of the country following relentless rains and flash floods.

Rescue and relief operations are underway as authorities strive to reach affected communities and gauge the scale of devastation.

According to latest figures shared by NDMA, at least 304 people have died in Punjab, including 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the death toll has reached 504, with 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women among the victims.

Sindh has reported 80 fatalities, comprising 35 children, 35 men, and 10 women.

Flash floods have caused widespread devastation in most areas of the country, with Balochistan reporting 30 fatalities — including 20 children, 6 men, and 4 women.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, 41 people lost their lives, among them 6 children, 26 men, and 9 women. Azad Jammu & Kashmir recorded 38 deaths due to the deluge, comprising 9 children, 17 men, and 12 women.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 9 individuals perished, including 5 children, 3 men, and 1 woman. Flood-related incidents have left 1,063 people injured, including 321 children, 450 men, and 292 women.

Punjab reported the highest number of injuries with 661 individuals affected, including 200 children, 258 men, and 203 women, highlighting the severe impact on vulnerable populations across the province.

In K-P, 218 people sustained injuries, comprising 70 children, 99 men, and 49 women. Meanwhile, Sindh reported 87 injuries, including 39 children, 29 men, and 19 women, reflecting the widespread impact of the floods across age and gender groups. Balochistan reported five injuries, affecting two children, two men, and one woman.