At least 54 people have lost their lives in the past 24 hours across Punjab, taking the monsoon death toll to 178 since late June, after torrential rains brought disasters to several cities.
In Rawalpindi, drain water overflowed and swept away vehicles after several hours of continuous rainfall. Low-lying areas were inundated, while the water level in Nullah Lai rose dangerously.
The Rawalpindi administration also declared a public holiday on Thursday to keep people at home, with the national meteorological department warning that heavy rain would continue until Friday.
Islamabad was not spared either. Basements of several homes were flooded, and landslides were reported around Bari Imam shrine.
Emergency, 450mm rain
A rain emergency has been imposed across multiple districts in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Chakwal and Islamabad. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain until late night.
In Chakwal, 450mm of rain prompted the imposition of flood emergency. A small dam at Dherabi collapsed, sending floodwaters into nearby settlements. Dozens of rural communities have been cut off as roads and bridges were damaged or washed away. The historic Katas Raj temple complex was also flooded.
in Jehlum, cloudbursts caused widespread flooding, with several roads submerged and at least seven individuals, including six policemen, swept away. Six were rescued while one remains missing.
70 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas across Punjab so far, including a family stranded near Chakri Road in Rawalpindi, airlifted by army helicopters.
In Sialkot, a flood alert was issued due to rising water in the Chenab River at Head Marala, which reached 72,568 cusecs. Although river and stream flows remain normal, the district emergency control room has been activated and helpline 1718 is operational around the clock.
Section 144 imposed
In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has declared section 144, banning swimming in rivers, ponds and dams until August 30. NDMA has advised residents of vulnerable areas to stock up on food, water, and essential medicines for 3 to 5 days.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the National Emergency Operation Centre, where he was briefed on the situation. Officials informed him that 30 to 40% more rainfall than normal has been recorded.
