LAHORE: Sections 144 have been imposed across Punjab, and a state of emergency declared in several districts, after torrential monsoon rains triggered flooding that has claimed the lives of at least 60 people in the last 24 hours. Authorities have warned of more rainfall over the next few days, as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) anticipates continued heavy rains across the country.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier issued a warning about the heavy rainstorm, which has brought severe flooding to Punjab. According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 61 people have been killed and 268 injured in the last day, with the toll expected to rise as the rains persist.
In response to the widespread flooding, the Punjab Home Department has imposed a ban on swimming and bathing in areas with accumulated rainwater, as well as on unauthorized boating activities. This move aims to protect citizens from drowning and other accidents caused by swollen rivers, canals, and lakes.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also declared a rain emergency in the province, urging the public to stay alert and cooperate with authorities. The chief minister highlighted the flood risk and called for public cooperation in taking safety precautions.
Rescue operations are ongoing in flood-affected areas, particularly in Jhelum, where citizens are being evacuated from submerged villages. Over 15,000 rescue personnel and 800 boats have been deployed across the province, with support from the Pakistan Army. In some areas, citizens, particularly women and children, have been seen calling for help as they are trapped by rising waters.
The PMD has warned of further urban flooding in cities like Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad. The heavy rains have also led to significant surges in water levels at key reservoirs such as Tarbela and Mangla, which may lead to more flooding in the coming days.
Chakwal, a district heavily affected by the rains, recorded 400 millimeters of rain in just 10 hours, triggering flash floods. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities are working to assist citizens trapped by floodwaters.
Across the country, the heavy rains have taken a toll. The NDMA reports that since June 26, the monsoon rains have caused 178 deaths and 491 injuries, with the majority of the casualties occurring in Punjab. House collapses were the leading cause of fatalities.
Meanwhile, the PMD issued a flood alert in Rawalpindi earlier in the day after the water level in Leh Nullah rose significantly, though the levels receded later. The local administration has issued warnings to residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert for possible evacuations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the NDMA and other federal ministries to work on developing a comprehensive disaster management plan in response to the ongoing climate challenges. He stressed the need for federal-provincial cooperation and called for long-term climate adaptation strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities.
In the wake of these devastating rains, authorities continue to urge the public to take precautions and stay safe as efforts to rescue those trapped and mitigate the damage continue.
