Torrential Monsoon Rains Devastate Punjab: 8 Dead, 38 Injured as Flood Fears Grow

Lahore — Relentless monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Punjab over the past 24 hours, leaving at least eight people dead and 38 others injured in multiple weather-related incidents. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of continued heavy rainfall through Thursday, raising fears of further landslides, urban flooding, and river overflows.

Fatal Incidents Reported Across the Province

In Rawalpindi, a tragic accident occurred near Chakri Interchange, where a passenger bus overturned due to slippery roads, killing four people and injuring 22 others.

In Okara, two individuals lost their lives after being struck by lightning. Meanwhile, in Minchinabad, the collapse of a madrassa roof resulted in the deaths of two students and left 12 others injured.

A hut collapse in Depalpur injured four individuals, while in Chak 85/DB near Pakpattan, a dilapidated house collapsed, killing a 4-year-old boy and seriously injuring his father and sister. The victims were immediately transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital by rescue teams.

In Renala Khurd’s village 1-1RA, a school roof collapsed due to heavy rainfall. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the school was closed at the time. Locals have urged authorities to inspect and repair vulnerable school buildings.

Widespread Disruption from Relentless Rain

Heavy rainfall inundated Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, and Gujranwala, causing widespread flooding in low-lying areas and a significant drop in temperatures. In Kasur, Pattoki, and Gujranwala, entire neighbourhoods were submerged.

Power outages were reported in Nankana Sahib, Allahabad, Shahkot, and Chunian, where multiple feeders tripped due to continuous rainfall. Streets in Chunian resembled rivers after four consecutive days of downpour. Sangla Hill also saw intermittent rain affecting the electricity supply.

Rivers Swell, Floods Threaten Mountain and Border Regions

The monsoon system has triggered flood-like conditions in rivers and seasonal streams. The Indus River at Taunsa rose significantly, with medium-level flooding reported at Guddu Barrage, where water flow surged by over 20,000 cusecs in 24 hours. Nearby villages in Kashmore were inundated as the river overflowed.

The Suleiman mountain range received intense rainfall, swelling seasonal hill torrents (Rod Kohis). A high flood wave in Dera Ghazi Khan cut off Sakhi Sarwar and surrounding tribal areas.

Water levels also rose in both Tarbela and Mangla Dams, increasing concerns about further flooding.

Weather Advisory and PDMA Alert

The PMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall until Thursday, with high risks of landslides in Murree and Galiyat, and flash floods in low-lying streams.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert across Punjab, particularly in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan.

Intense thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Narowal, Chakwal, Jehlum, and Sialkot. Tourists and residents in hilly regions have been advised to exercise extreme caution.

Karachi Weather Update

In Karachi, the PMD reported a mix of sun and clouds with chances of drizzle. Thundershowers are likely to persist until July 20, potentially affecting daily activities and traffic.

Authorities remain on high alert as monsoon rains continue to pose threats to life, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the country. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing.