At least six killed in Punjab as downpours wreak havoc
- Monsoon rains in Pakistan linked to more than 110 deaths, including dozens of children since they arrived in late June, according to government figures
A new spell of monsoon rains has entered the country which has triggered heavy downpours across various districts of Punjab, leaving at least six people dead and 36 others injured, while causing widespread power disruption in urban and rural areas as well.
At least four passengers were killed while about two dozen others injured when a bus travelling from Rawalpindi to Multan skidded off the road due to slippery road conditions, near Chakri on Sunday morning.
Monsoon rains in Pakistan have been linked to more than 110 deaths including dozens of children since they arrived in late June, according to government figures released Monday. Data from the national disaster agency between June 26 and July 14 showed that electrocution was the leading cause of fatalities, followed by flash floods.
According to National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) spokesperson, initial investigations suggested that recent rainfall had made the road dangerously slick, contributing to the driver losing control, APP reported.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson said the injured were brought to DHQ Rawalpindi and PIMS Hospital Islamabad for treatment. The deceased included 50-year-old Samina, while the three other victims could not be identified.
In a separate incident, the official said one person injured due to a wall collapse near Basti Sathiari Jatoi in Muzaffargarh. Another person got injured due to a hotel roof collapse in Chowk Sarwar Shaheed, Kot Addu.
Whereas, two individuals, identified as 16-year-old Anam and 17-year-old Asad, died due to a lightning strike on Naeemabad Head Sulemanki Road in Okara.
Many other people also got wounded in rain-related incidents in various parts of the province.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the ongoing rain system is expected to persist till July 17, with more showers forecast across most parts of the province in the next 24 hours, Aaj News reported.
Cities including Lahore, Sadiqabad, Kot Addu, Kamalia, Rajanpur, Khanpur, Sahiwal, and others witnessed intermittent heavy rainfall, leading to urban flooding in low-lying areas. Multiple power feeders tripped due to water accumulation and lightning, disrupting electricity supply in several localities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of potential flooding in local streams and rivers, as well as urban flooding in vulnerable zones. Water levels in River Chenab and Tarbela Dam continue to rise. Following which the authorities have issued alerts to district administrations for necessary precautions.
In Taunsa Sharif, rising water in the Indus River submerged multiple bridges, severing routes. Residents lamented the absence of flood relief camps, saying they have been left to brave the harsh weather under open skies.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued directives to all relevant agencies to ensure preemptive safety measures.
Similarly, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has put all district administrations on alert. The PDMA director general instructed deputy commissioners to remain fully prepared for any emergency, ensuring the availability of rescue teams, WASA personnel, and operational machinery. A 24/7 control room has been activated for continuous monitoring.
According to PDMA rainfall data:
- Okara recorded 72 mm of rain,
- Sahiwal 66 mm,
- DG Khan 51 mm,
- Mianwali 38 mm,
- Bahawalpur 36 mm,
- Kot Addu 33 mm,
- Gujranwala 30 mm,
- Layyah 23 mm,
- Murree 22 mm.
Rainfall was reported in Rawalpindi, Attock, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, and Lodhran as well.
Weather experts have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in flood-prone areas. Residents of low-lying neighbourhoods have been advised to take precautionary measures and stay in contact with local authorities.