Lahore/Okara/Faisalabad:
Torrential Monsoon Rains caused destruction across Punjab on Wednesday and killed at least 44 people and injured hundreds of others, with widespread structural damage reported from several districts, especially due to collapsed roofs and electrocution.
The destruction is likely to continue into Thursday when officials warned that the merciless monsoon system would continue until at least 17 July (today). Another 16 people were killed in rain -related incidents in Balochistan.
Structural collapse and electrocution were mentioned as primary causes, with most damage registered in Lahore, Okara, Faisalabad and the surrounding districts.
In Lahore, stormy rainfall measured to 170 mm led to several deadly events. Sixteen people were killed and six others seriously injured when three rooftops threw themselves over the city.
In the village of Muridwal 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 wounded included 30-year-old Faisal and his five-year-old daughter Boblly.
In Raiwind Road’s Mission Colony, three people – Nasreen (70), Meerab (8) and Bashir (80), while another person, Fared (21), was rescued and hospitalized.
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, at least seven people, including five children, in Okara, were killed due to collapsing structures, electrocution and a drowning event.
Two girls, 10-year-old Mahnoor and 8-year-old Iqra, died after falling into a hidden well due to accumulated rainwater. Several others were injured in events 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 events. 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 392 GB, and several others were hospitalized with minor for critical injuries.
Lahore flooded
According to Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Monsun rainfall was registered in most districts, including 217 mm in Sheikhupura, 170 mm in Okara, 130 mm in Chichawatni, 90 mm in Hafizabad and 85 mm in Kasur. Other cities such as Faisalabad (60 mm), Mandi Bahauddin (32 mm) and Jhelum (29 mm) also reported considerable rain.
More rainfall is expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, DG Khan and Bahawalpur Division with the current monsoon cycle forecast to continue until July 17.
Citizens have been asked to avoid living in fallen or mud -structured homes, which was drawn to most of the deadly roof collapses. PDMA has repeated calls for caution, especially with keeping children away from electric poles, wires and water -turned areas.
Twin Cities spared big injuries
In contrast, mild to moderate rainfall in Islamabad and Rawal Pindi temporarily relieved without major floods.
According to Wasa Rawalpindi, emergency protocols remained in place with heavy machinery inserted into low -lying areas.
Fortunately, the water level remained manageable without reported urban floods. Precipitation registered in Rawal Pindi varied from 9 mm to 23 mm at different sites.
Punjab Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed the provision of the best possible medical treatment for the wounded and advertised financial support for the deceased families according to provincial politics.
The authorities have called on citizens to stay informed through official warnings and cooperation with administrative staff in the event of emergency wavering. The Punjab government has promised full support to protect life and livestock when rain continues to tilt the province.
More rain is expected throughout the weekend, with WASA and PDMA both maintaining high alarms throughout the province.
Rivers swell up
PDMA has warned of potential flash flooding in Hill Torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan division between July 16 and 17.
Urban flood threats also draw over Punjab’s largest cities, with authorities expecting moderate to high flow in the rivers Jhelum and Chenab in several key spaces, including Mangla, Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad.
A low-level flood is expected at the Tarbela (Indus River) and Marala (the Chenab River), with the situation in upper drainage, which potentially worsen over the next 24 to 36 hours due to heavy rain.
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners throughout the province have been placed on high alarm.
Auxiliary Commissioner Nabil Javed has directed the field assignment of administrative officers and emergency activation of disaster -responses, fuel reserves and evacuation protocols.
Citizens living in riverbed have been encouraged to evacuate with their livestock, and flooding camps are equipped with important supplies.
