Heavy Rains in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Across Punjab Leave 44 Dead, Cause Widespread Damage
Torrential monsoon rains continued to batter large parts of Pakistan, causing widespread destruction, particularly in Punjab, where at least 44 people have lost their lives and hundreds more have been injured in various rain-related incidents. Major cities including Lahore, Okara, and Faisalabad have been severely affected by structural collapses and electrocution, while additional casualties were reported in Balochistan.
In Lahore, which received 170 mm of rainfall, at least 16 people were killed and six others injured in separate incidents of roof collapse. One of the most tragic events occurred in Muridwal village near Thokar Niaz Baig, where five members of the same family perished, including a man, his wife, two young daughters, and daughter-in-law. In another incident in Mission Colony, three more lives were lost, including an elderly couple and a child.
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Similarly, Okara witnessed a grim toll as at least seven people died, five of them children. Among them, two young girls drowned after falling into a concealed well filled with rainwater. Fatalities and injuries were also reported from 25/2R, Sabzi Mandi, Haveli Lakha, and Marola Sharif.
Faisalabad saw at least seven deaths and dozens injured as 23 different roof collapse incidents were reported. In one case, a woman and her teenage son were buried under rubble, while in Rachna Town, a couple died after their home caved in. A two-year-old child also lost his life in Chak 392GB.
Monsoon rainfall was recorded across most districts of Punjab, with some of the highest readings 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 heavy showers.
Also See: LIVE WEATHER MAP OF PAKISTAN
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the rain caused disruptions but was less deadly. Islamabad received the highest amount of rain at 193 mm, followed by 179 mm in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that intermittent rain is likely to continue for the next 12 to 20 hours, though intensity may reduce. WASA Rawalpindi reported manageable water levels and deployed emergency machinery in low-lying areas.
While the twin cities were largely spared from severe damage, authorities remained on alert, urging citizens to stay indoors and take necessary precautions.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has urged people to avoid staying in old or poorly built homes, which accounted for most of the fatal collapses. Children should also be kept away from electric poles and flooded areas. PDMA, along with WASA, has maintained a high alert across the province, warning of more downpours through the weekend.
Rising river levels have added to the concern, with potential flash flooding expected in hill torrents in the Dera Ghazi Khan division. Authorities also anticipate moderate-to-high flows in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers at key locations like Mangla, Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. A low-level flood has been reported at Tarbela and Marala.
Commissioners and deputy commissioners throughout Punjab have been placed on high alert, with the Relief Commissioner ordering the immediate deployment of disaster response teams, fuel supplies, and evacuation protocols. Citizens living near riverbeds have been asked to evacuate along with their livestock, and flood relief camps are being equipped with essential supplies.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed hospitals to provide the best possible care to the injured and has announced financial compensation for the families of those who died, in accordance with provincial policy.
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