Punjab monsoon death toll climbs to 29 as fresh rain spell triggers flood alert

• PDMA reports 203 injured, says collapsing houses, lightning and electrocution remain the leading causes of deaths

• District administrations ordered onto high alert as third monsoon spell raises fears of urban and flash flooding

• Flood situation stabilizes across Punjab’s rivers, with water level receding in Chenab after upstream rains ease

• Punjab govt announces Rs1m to Rs5m in financial assistance for families of rain-related victims

 LAHORE: Punjab's monsoon death toll has climbed to 29, with 203 people injured in rain-related incidents across the province, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said as it issued a fresh alert ahead of the third spell of monsoon rains and directed all district administrations to remain on high alert for possible urban and flash flooding.

According to the PDMA's latest assessment, most fatalities occurred due to the collapse of mud and dilapidated houses, lightning strikes and electrocution during the ongoing monsoon season. The authority also reported that 52 houses sustained partial damage because of heavy rainfall, while six livestock animals were killed.

PDMA Director General Omar Abbas Mela instructed district administrations to ensure complete preparedness in view of the approaching third monsoon spell, warning that several areas could face urban flooding and flash floods. He directed authorities to implement precautionary measures and maintain readiness to minimize potential loss of life and property.

The PDMA chief said the highest number of deaths resulted from the collapse of roofs of old and unsafe buildings. He also urged citizens to stay away from exposed electricity wires and utility poles during rainfall to reduce the risk of electrocution.

Under the Punjab government's relief policy, financial assistance ranging from Rs1 million to Rs5 million is being provided to the families of those who lost their lives in rain-related incidents.

 Flood situation in Punjab rivers remains stable

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Punjab's major rivers remained largely stable during the past 24 hours, with water levels in the River Chenab showing a noticeable decline following an improvement in weather conditions in the upper catchment areas, according to the PDMA.

A PDMA spokesperson said low-level flooding continued in the River Chenab at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Trimmu. Water flow was recorded at 143,000 cusecs at Marala, 138,000 cusecs at Khanki, 135,000 cusecs at Qadirabad and 184,000 cusecs at Trimmu.

The spokesperson said low-level flooding also persisted in the River Indus at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa. Water flow was measured at 334,000 cusecs at Kalabagh, 370,000 cusecs at Chashma and 313,000 cusecs at Taunsa Barrage.

According to the authority, water flow in the Sutlej and Jhelum rivers remained within normal limits, while low-level flooding continued in the River Ravi at Balloki and Head Sidhnai. Water flow stood at 81,000 cusecs at Balloki and 60,000 cusecs at Head Sidhnai, while conditions at Jassar and Shahdara remained normal.

The PDMA further reported low-level flooding in the Basantar drain in Narowal, while a high-level flood was recorded in Wazirabad's Phalko drain, where water flow reached 5,000 cusecs.

Director General Omar Abbas Mela said rainfall in the upper catchment areas had increased river flows, but the flood situation in the River Chenab improved significantly after rainfall subsided upstream.

He said the PDMA was maintaining continuous monitoring of the evolving situation, while all relevant departments remained on alert to respond promptly to any emergency arising from the ongoing monsoon season.