Lahore:
Authorities across Pakistan have released a red alarm as heavy monsoon rains continue to tilt wide cuts in the country, triggering flash floods, landslides and rising river levels.
The rainfall – expected to intensify through July 25 – has already claimed at least 13 lives in the last 24 hours, with dozens injured, according to official figures.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts persistent rain and thunderstorms over upper and central regions, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan.
Heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Chitral, Dir, SWAT, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad and other hilly areas. The city’s flood is also expected in low -lying parts of major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Peshawar.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 216 people have died and 582 wounded since the beginning of the Monsun season on June 26. Over 770 homes have reportedly collapsed due to rain -related events.
In Punjab, the fourth spell for monsoon rains is in progress, which results in emergency warnings from Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Authorities have warned that this spell could be more intense than before, with expected rain with great influence in rawalpindi, murree, galliyat, chakwal, gujrat and other central and northern districts. Southern regions such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan are also aligned with storms.
Rising water levels in larger rivers have raised concerns about potential floods. PDMA has released warnings about increased flow in Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej and Chenab Rivers. The river in Indus has already reached medium flood levels at Taunsa, with flow that surpasses 420,000 CUSSCS. Low -level floods are also observed in Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma.
As a caution, emergency teams have been inserted into key spaces. Rescue 1122 has mobilized boats and staff in flood areas, while the health department has established medical camps. In Lahore’s Shahdara area, the water level in the Ravi River has risen over 8,900 CUSERCS -which joins the flood alarm.
PDMA -Human Director Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that all district administrations have been asked to remain on high alarm. Section 144 has been introduced around rivers and streams to limit public access, and field officers have been instructed to carefully monitor vulnerable zones. Machines and staff have been deployed on chokepoints to ensure effective drainage and readiness.
Meanwhile, the MET department has rejected social media claims about a “cloudburst” in Chakwal on July 17, which is alleged to rain over 423 mm. The department confirmed that the actual registered rainfall was only 142.2 mm and no cloudburst was detected at Doppler – Radar or Earth Stations.
PMD warned that spreading incorrect information could cause public panic and called on media to verify data before publication.
Residents all over Pakistan are encouraged to remain cautious, avoid flooding areas and follow official guidance as monsoon activity continues. PMD predicts that the rain is likely to continue until at least 26 July, with the potential of further disturbance depending on developing weather patterns.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider visited flooded areas of Chakwal on Sunday. The local administration – including DCO, DPO and PDMA – officials – brilliant the governor of the situation on Earth.
When we talked to the occasion, Governor Saleem Haider said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would not leave the flood victims alone. He insured all the support to compensate for homes that were flushed away in the flood water.
The governor also met with flood victims and expressed deep grief over loss of life and property. He confirmed his commitment to securing the full rehabilitation of flooded areas.
During his visit to the Dohman area, he inspected damage caused by flash floods and noted that widespread rain has caused serious damage to several regions in the country. He urged all segments of society to join forces with the government in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
