LAHORE – Torrential monsoon rains have plunged several parts of Punjab into crisis, prompting the government to declare a rain emergency after over 60 people lost their lives within 24 hours.
According to official sources, heavy rainfall caused roof collapses, electrocutions, and flash floods, leaving at least 63 dead and nearly 300 injured across districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Okara.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has placed all departments on high alert and directed Rescue 1122, district administrations, and health officials to ensure timely relief operations. In Rawalpindi, a one-day public holiday was declared to minimize movement in flood-prone areas.
Rescue efforts are underway with the Pakistan Army, emergency helicopters, and civil defense teams conducting evacuations in Jhelum and Rawalpindi, where the risk of rivers and nullahs overflowing remains high. The Flood Forecasting Division has issued warnings for exceptionally high water levels in the Jhelum River.
Punjab has received 124% more rain than normal so far in July, overwhelming drainage systems and urban infrastructure. The government has urged citizens to avoid low-lying areas, electric poles, and open water bodies during the continuing downpours.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.