CM’s swift monsoon response clears rainwater within hours as Punjab ramps up flood vigilance

• WASA network in 41 districts, backed by 1,000+ machines, speeds up province-wide drainage operations

• CM orders 24/7 monitoring of rivers, dams and barrages, urges public to avoid flood-prone areas

• PDMA reports Gujranwala receives highest rainfall at 250mm; 17 dead, 107 injured in monsoon incidents

 LAHORE: Swift and coordinated response measures initiated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz enabled authorities to clear rainwater from districts battered by heavy monsoon downpours within hours instead of weeks, as the provincial government intensified flood monitoring, strengthened public safety measures and directed uninterrupted field operations across the province.

The establishment of Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA) in 41 districts, supported by more than 1,000 machines and operational staff, ensured the rapid drainage of accumulated rainwater despite widespread heavy rainfall, significantly improving the province's emergency response capacity during the ongoing monsoon season.

Lakshmi Chowk, Lahore, where ponding would last for days, cleared in just 90 mins. Minister and DC, all present. pic.twitter.com/dH8SYCqliE

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 22, 2026

Residents of Gujrat lauded the Punjab chief minister after rainwater caused by torrential monsoon showers was drained from the city within just three hours, reflecting the effectiveness of the government's preparedness and coordinated response.

Sialkot pic.twitter.com/8MZ1IOkV3S

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 22, 2026

On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, rivers, dams and barrages across all relevant districts are being monitored round the clock through Safe City cameras to keep a close watch on the evolving monsoon situation. She also instructed the authorities to ensure comprehensive safety arrangements around rain-fed streams, low-lying areas, rivers and canals to safeguard lives and property.

اللہ کا شکر ہے، پنجاب میں مون سون کی بارشوں کے دوران انتظامیہ کی کارکردگی مثالی ہے۔ 24 گھنٹے افسران اور عملے کو فیلڈ میں رہنے کی ہدایت دی ہے، شدید بارشوں کے باوجود کہیں بھی نکاسی آب نہ ہونے کی شکایت موصول نہیں ہوئی۔ پنجاب حکومت نے واسا کا دائرہ کار 41 اضلاع تک وسیع کردیا ہے، اربن… pic.twitter.com/MHCoDlbD3J

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 22, 2026

The chief minister appealed to the public to avoid visiting or bathing in canals, rivers and seasonal streams during the monsoon and any potential flood situation. She further directed district administrations to keep a close watch on weak and dilapidated buildings and urged citizens to stay away from structures vulnerable to roof collapse.

In line with the Punjab government's directives, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab also issued a monsoon flood situation fact sheet detailing rainfall, reservoir levels and the province's preparedness.

According to the PDMA report, monsoon rainfall was recorded in most districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. Despite heavy precipitation, rainwater drainage operations were completed in the shortest possible time.

The highest rainfall was recorded in Gujranwala at 250mm, followed by Sialkot with 139mm, Mandi Bahauddin 138mm, Narowal 117mm, Hafizabad 85mm, Chakwal 70mm and Okara 64mm. The report further stated that Gujrat received 49mm of rainfall, Jhang 35mm, Layyah 33mm and Jhelum 32mm.

The PDMA reported that water levels currently stand at 57 percent in Tarbela Dam, 38 percent in Mangla Dam and around 30 percent in the Bhakra, Thein and Pong dams.

According to the report, 17 people lost their lives and 107 others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents during the current monsoon season. Of the fatalities, 12 occurred due to the collapse of old and dilapidated buildings, two were caused by lightning strikes and three resulted from electrocution. The injured are being provided with the best possible medical treatment.

The Punjab CM directed the authorities to ensure compensation for the losses suffered by the affected families.

 CM expresses grief over rain-related fatalities

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed profound grief over the loss of precious human lives in various rain-related incidents across the province and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

She urged the public to strictly observe safety precautions during the ongoing spell of rains and appealed to parents to prevent their children from bathing in floodwaters, canals and streams.

The chief minister also appealed to residents living in unsafe buildings to voluntarily evacuate weak-roofed houses, damaged structures and dilapidated buildings to avoid any untoward incidents.

She directed deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and other relevant departments to closely monitor unsafe and dilapidated buildings while ensuring continuous surveillance of rivers, canals and flood channels to protect the public.

CM Maryam Nawaz further instructed the authorities to ensure the immediate drainage of rainwater from streets, markets, roads and particularly underpasses. She directed commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and other concerned officers across Punjab to remain in the field and personally supervise relief and drainage operations.

Emphasising the need to maintain uninterrupted traffic flow during the rains, the chief minister directed all relevant departments to remain fully alert and discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence.

"I salute every officer and official performing their duties with dedication during the rains," the Punjab chief minister said.