Islamabad: Torrential monsoon rains have claimed at least 60 more lives across Pakistan, pushing the nationwide death toll to 124, with hundreds injured and widespread destruction reported over the past three weeks.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), heavy rainfall and rain-related incidents have left 264 people injured since the monsoon began. The worst-affected region is Punjab, where 44 people died on Wednesday alone due to roof collapses and electrocution. Balochistan reported 16 fatalities from similar incidents.
The rains, which show no signs of relenting, are forecast to continue until late Thursday, exacerbating fears of further devastation.
Punjab’s Lahore, Okara, Faisalabad, and surrounding districts witnessed the highest number of casualties, The Express Tribune reported. In Lahore, 16 people were killed and six injured as rooftops collapsed in various areas. Faisalabad saw 23 separate roof collapse incidents, killing seven and injuring 36, while a woman and her teenage son were trapped under rubble. In Okara, at least seven people, including five children, died due to structural failures, electrocution, and drowning.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) recorded intense rainfall across several areas, with 217 mm in Sheikhupura, 170 mm in Okara, 130 mm in Chichawatni, 90 mm in Hafizabad, and 85 mm in Kasur. Other cities like Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, and Jhelum also experienced significant downpours.
Forecasts indicate more rain is expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions, heightening the risk of urban flooding. Authorities have warned of moderate to high water flow in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers at key locations including Mangla, Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad.
A low-level flood alert has also been issued for Tarbela (Indus River) and Marala (Chenab River), with further rainfall expected in upstream catchment areas over the next 24 to 36 hours, likely worsening conditions.
In response, the Punjab government has placed all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners on high alert. Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed has directed administrative officers to remain on the ground, activate disaster response teams, and ensure fuel supplies and evacuation plans are in place.
Residents living near riverbeds have been urged to move their livestock to safer areas, while flood relief camps equipped with essential supplies have been set up across the affected regions, the NDMA said.