ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Heavy monsoon rains across Punjab killed at least 63 people and injured nearly 300 in the past 24 hours, provincial officials said on Thursday, bringing the nationwide death toll from the rains to around 180 since late June.
It was one of the deadliest days of this year’s rainy season so far. The downpours caused flooding and building collapses, with most of the deaths caused by the weak roofs of houses failing. Lahore reported 15 deaths, Faisalabad nine, and the farming towns of Okara, Sahiwal and Pakpattan several more.
Since late June, the monsoon rains have killed 103 people and injured 393 in Punjab alone, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). More than 120 homes were damaged and six livestock killed.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) gave the toll of at least 159 deaths nationwide since June 25 and said more than 1,000 homes had been damaged. A high flood alert was issued for the River Jhelum at Mangla, where water inflows were expected to surge to high levels, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Authorities warned that adjoining streams could also overflow in the next 24 hours, putting nearby communities at risk.
Rescue teams used boats to evacuate families from villages along the river further south in the morning, but the water had begun to recede by the afternoon. “Children were screaming for help, and women stood on rooftops, waving their shawls and begging to be rescued,” said Tariq Mehbood Bhatti, a 51-year-old farmer in Ladian village.
Residents living in low-lying areas near the Nullah Lai, that runs through Rawalpindi city, were ordered to evacuate after a sharp rise in the water level. “Rescue teams are on standby for more evacuations,” a spokeswoman for the disaster agency said.
“Residents of vulnerable areas should prepare emergency kits with food, water, and essential medicines for three to five days in case of an emergency,” the NDMA added in an alert.
The Rawalpindi government declared a public holiday on Thursday to keep people at home, with the national meteorological department warning that heavy rain would continue until Friday.
Around 180 people have been killed, including 70 children, and about 500 injured since the start of the monsoon on June 26, according to the disaster agency.
The majority of deaths were caused by collapsed houses and sudden flash floods, while dozens were also electrocuted.
In view of the ongoing rains, flood risks and weather conditions, the Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 across the province. According to an official notification, swimming and boating in all rivers, dams, canals, ponds and lakes have been strictly prohibited.
Section 144 has also been enforced to ban swimming or bathing in rainwater accumulated in streets, roads, open spaces and other public areas. These restrictions will remain in place until August 30, as confirmed by the Punjab Home Department spokesperson.
The department instructed law enforcement and district administrations to ensure strict implementation of the directive. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched to inform citizens about the risks and legal restrictions under Section 144.
As per a Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) spokesperson, the authority’s managing director in Rawalpindi reached out to the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade as it was decided to call in the army in case of an emergency. Sirens were sounded in areas surrounding Nullah Lai as the water level rose by 22 feet, prompting the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to issue evacuation orders.
“Nullah Lai and drains across the city are being continuously monitored,” said Wasa Rawalpindi Managing Director (MD) Saleem Ashraf, adding that the water level at Katarian was 22 feet and 23 feet at Gowalmandi Bridge.
Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that PDMA Punjab had provided rescue and relief equipment to the district administration ahead of the monsoon season. In response to the emergency in Rawalpindi, Rescue 1122 is equipped with 16 OBM boats, 205 life jackets, 31 ambulances, 19 fire trucks, and 4 rescue vehicles. Additionally, PDMA has supplied WASA with 28 dewatering sets, 5 sucker machines, 6 jetter machines, and 6 tractors. The Municipal Corporation also has 5 dewatering sets, 7 mini trucks, 3 trucks and 3 generators.
In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said emergency was declared in various areas of the province due to “unprecedented” stormy rains and flooding. “Government institutions are working with zeal and utmost effort. The administration has been directed to keep the public informed through sirens and announcements,” she wrote on her X handle. She also urged the public to cooperate with the institutions and follow safety guidelines.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a comprehensive, coordinated national disaster management plan in light of this year’s unusually intense monsoon rains and cloudbursts. Chairing a briefing at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) during his visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters, he directed the NDMA, along with the federal ministers for climate change and planning, to collaborate with provincial governments and draw lessons from recent extreme weather events.
Commending the NDMA’s use of modern technology and skilled personnel, the PM noted the increasing frequency and severity of cloudbursts and downpours in areas such as Chakwal, Lahore, Islamabad, and hilly northern regions, where the impact has been most severe. He praised provincial governments, particularly Punjab under CM Maryam Nawaz, for effective disaster response and coordination.
PM Shehbaz pledged full federal support for strengthening disaster preparedness, including enhancing rescue equipment, early warning systems, and training. He also thanked the Information Ministry for public awareness efforts and called for their expansion nationwide.
NDMA Chairman Lt-Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed that monsoon intensity this year is 60-70pc higher than last year, with 178 fatalities and over 500 injuries reported. The current third spell began on June 26, with four to five more expected in the coming weeks. He warned that the next seven days are critical for Punjab, AJK, and northern KP, as future monsoons are projected to begin earlier and with increased severity.
The PM concluded by stressing the need for unified federal-provincial action to protect lives, infrastructure and livelihoods against escalating climate threats.
On the other hand, apart from the twin cities, various areas across Punjab continue to be battered by heavy rains. A cloud burst was witnessed in Chakwal, causing as much as 449mm of rain. Several low-lying areas were inundated with water, entering houses. The district administration said a rescue operation was underway to move citizens to safer places. As per the additional deputy commissioner, the dire situation is a result of a cloudburst. “Civil administration is working to rescue citizens,” said Bilal Bin Hafeez.
Secretary of Emergency Services Dr Rizwan reported that several small dams in Chakwal district overflowed, triggering flood-like conditions. Water also entered the historic Katas Raj temple near Choa Saidanshah in the Potohar region.
Across Punjab, the monsoon season led to the collapse of roofs in about 310 houses and caused 15 rain-related traffic accidents.
A rescue spokesperson said out of total fatalities, 16 occurred in Lahore, five in Sheikhupura, four each in Okara and Pakpattan, two in Chakwal and others in different cities. Nine people died in Faisalabad, one each in Mandi Bahauddin, Nankana and Sahiwal.
Apart from Punjab, Balochistan is also reeling from torrential rains, with PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan Ghorezai saying that 16 people had died and six injured in various rain-related incidents recently. Eleven houses were completely destroyed in Balochistan due to rain, 47 suffered partial damage.
Rescue teams are also engaged in operations in Mianwali, Attock, DG Khan and Rahim Yar Khan.
Rescue spokesperson said 198 people were rescued and shifted to hospital in 129 incidents on Wednesday and a total of 641 people and 176 animals were rescued from all over Punjab.
Also, the Pakistan Army has commenced relief operations in various flood-affected areas.
Army personnel reached Dhok Bhidar and Darapur in Jhelum to transport flood victims to safe places and are providing food and medical assistance along with other necessary facilities to the victims.
In a tragic incident caused by heavy rain in Faisalabad, two children lost their lives and three other members of the same family were injured when the roof of their house collapsed in the Allama Iqbal Colony Thursday morning.
The collapse resulted in the deaths of 17-year-old Muhammad Bin Khalid and his 11-year-old brother Muhammad Mosaib Hussain, who were buried under the debris and died on the spot. Their father, 50-year-old Khalid, mother 45-year-old Farhana, and 12-year-old sister sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, passenger train service between Malakwal and Pind Dadan Khan was suspended due to rainwater on track.