Punjab declares emergency when monsoon floods kill 33, damage over 170

Torrential Monsoon Rains has beaten parts of Punjab over the last 24 hours, triggering widespread floods, structural damage and fatal accidents. At least 33 people have been killed and over 170 wounded, according to a spokesman from Rescue 1122, Provincial Aid.

In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared a “rain emergency” throughout the province, including in Rawalpindi, where sirens were sounded and emergency measures activated.

The provincial government has mobilized all relevant departments, including district administrations, police and rescue 1122, to respond to the crisis.

Both, ambulances, helicopters and specialized rescue vehicles have been deployed to reach flooded areas where road access is impossible.

The worst affected cities include Lahore (13 deaths), Faisalabad (8), Pakpattan (4) and Sheikhupura (3).

Single deaths were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib and Sahiwal. Most victims were caught in building collapse, flash floods and rain -related accidents.

Rescue 1122 continues to operate under extreme conditions, with multiple roads immersed and communication lines disturbed. Field hospitals and medical response teams remain on high alarm.

The Punjab government has ordered public hospitals to remain in standby and set up 24/7 control room to control flood response.

The traffic police have been asked to arrange alternative routes and the public is advised to stay away from channels, rivers and low -lying areas and avoid venturing out unless necessary.

Lahore alone received 136 mm of rain within three hours and broke a decades old record. The water and sanitation agency (WASA) inmates over 400 pumps to clear water from roads.

Emergency Response Teams, including Rescue 1122, clearing waste and restoring access to major cities.

Pakistan Meteorological Department reported alarming rainy totals in which Islamabad received 193 mm, Rawalpindi 179 mm and Mandi Bahauddin 167 mm.

Chakwal and Jhelum also saw intense rainfall with 142 mm and 81 mm respectively.

Additional intermittent rain is expected over the next 12-20 hours with some reduction in expected intensity.

However, thunderstorms and strong winds are still probably in Islamabad, Pothohar, Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan and central and southern Punjab.

CM PUNJAB has called on the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow security guidelines and avoid risky areas to prevent further loss of life.

She also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow messages and evacuation orders, and take any precaution to protect life.

As the rainstorms continue, emergency teams remain on high alarm and work around the clock to mitigate the effects of the devastating floods.

Emergency Services remains on high alarm as rescue and relief efforts continue around the clock.