63 killed as heavy rain wreaks havoc across Punjab

RAWALPINDI: At least 63 people have died in the past 24 hours as heavy monsoon rains battered several cities and towns across Punjab.

 The army has been called in to assist with evacuation efforts in flood-affected areas particularly in Chakwal.

According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the latest fatalities bring the total number of rain-related deaths in Punjab this year to 103, with 393 people injured. Additionally, 128 houses have been damaged.

In the past 24 hours, 15 deaths were reported in Lahore, nine each in Faisalabad and Okara, five in Sahiwal, and three in Pakpattan, the PDMA spokesperson said. Monsoon rains are expected to continue across Punjab on Thursday, he said.

A flood alert has been issued for rivers and canals across the province, and residents have been urged to vacate old mud houses, as most of the casualties occurred due to roof collapses of dilapidated structures.

Army-Led Rescue Operations Under way

The PDMA said that an army-led rescue operation is under way in Chakwal to evacuate people trapped in floodwaters. The operation will continue until all affected citizens are safely evacuated. Army helicopters and other resources are being deployed for rescue efforts.

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Chakwal received a staggering 400 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the PDMA added.

NDMA Issues Widespread Rain, Flood Warnings

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also warned of potential flooding over the next 24 hours due to ongoing heavy rains.

Several districts — including Lahore, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad — are likely to experience more heavy rain with thunderstorms within the next 12 hours.

Intermittent heavy rainfall is also forecast for Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The NDMA said flooding in Nullah Lai and low-lying areas of Rawalpindi has started to subside but advised residents nearby to be prepared for immediate evacuation if sirens are activated.

Citizens have also been urged to avoid crossing rivers, bridges, and flooded roads and to keep an emergency kit with at least three days’ worth of food, water, and medicine.

Rawalpindi Declares Emergency Holiday

Due to the severe weather, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner announced a one-day holiday for all government offices in the district. The administration asked residents of low-lying areas around Nullah Lai to cooperate in evacuation efforts if needed.

Rawalpindi received over 200 mm of rain. Water levels in Nullah Lai surged to 21 feet near Gawalmandi before beginning to recede. The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 235 mm of rain in Golmandi, 220 mm in Katarian, and 202 mm in Pirwadhai over the last 24 hours.

Flood Rescue Operations in Jhelum and Other Districts

Punjab Rescue 1122 reported ongoing rescue operations in Jhelum to evacuate people stranded due to flooding.

According to spokesperson Farooq Ahmad, more than 50 rescue workers and six boats are engaged in operations in areas such as Dhok Shah Arif, Suhawa, Dhok Badr, Rasulpur, Chak Mohammada, and Bhampar Village.

So far, 57 people have been safely rescued in Jhelum. Rescue teams are also active in Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, DG Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, and Leh.

More than 800 rescue boats and 15,000 personnel are on high alert for flood response across Punjab. Around 40 people trapped in tents by flash floods in Mouza Dhok Badr and Nikka Kalan were rescued with army assistance, the PDMA added.

Private Dam Collapses in Chakwal

A small private dam near the Dharabi Dam in Chakwal collapsed due to heavy rainfall. Local resident Sajjad Haider told the BBC that the dam, constructed over a spillway drain, broke after continuous rain, but no damage was reported. However, he noted that nearby link roads were damaged, hampering transportation.

Haider also warned that many similar small private dams in the area have been affected by the rains.

Flight Schedules Disrupted at Islamabad Airport

The ongoing downpour has disrupted flight operations at Islamabad International Airport. Civil aviation officials confirmed that the departure of around 30 flights has been delayed by several hours.

Passengers have been advised to contact airline helplines and reach the airport on time to avoid inconvenience.

Three Children Drown in Haroonabad

In a tragic incident, three children drowned while playing in rainwater in Chak 18, Haroonabad Tehsil. Rescue 1122 said ambulances were immediately dispatched after receiving the emergency call, but the children could not be revived despite CPR attempts.

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