Lahore( The COW News Digital)Although the current monsoon system in Punjab has temporarily weakened, the devastation left behind continues to deepen. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 15 more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide death toll from rains and flooding to 193. Punjab remains the worst-hit province, accounting for 114 fatalities.
Severe rains battered cities including Jhelum, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi. In Chakwal alone, a record 423 mm of rainfall submerged several villages, washing away roads and bridges and paralyzing traffic. Entire neighborhoods were engulfed, leaving residents stranded and distressed.
Rain-related incidents continued across various districts. In Renala Khurd, the collapse of a roof killed a woman and injured three others, including two children. In Bhowana, one man died due to rain-related injuries, while in Pattoki, Raiwind, and Minchinabad, 14 others were injured in separate incidents.
Tragedies mounted further as three people in Dunyapur, Ferozewala, and Hafizabad were electrocuted, and a 10-year-old boy drowned in a drainage canal. In Mandi Bahauddin, rainwater breached the jail’s outer wall and reached prisoners’ barracks. In Malikwal Railway Colony, the collapse of multiple walls added to the destruction.
In Rawalpindi, a rain emergency has been declared after torrential downpours triggered flash floods. Four individuals were swept away by swollen nullahs; three bodies were recovered while rescue efforts continue. The body of a 7-year-old boy was also retrieved from Bhosa Mandi. In total, 20 villages along Adiala Road have lost land access, with several vehicles carried away by floodwaters.
Rescue operations in Jhelum, led by Pakistan Army and emergency services, evacuated 498 individuals to safety. A missing police officer’s body, swept away by floodwater, was also recovered.
Meanwhile, the water level in the Ravi River continues to rise, cutting off access to three villages in Nankana Sahib. Weather experts warn the worst may not be over yet. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for a powerful new monsoon system expected to hit Punjab starting July 20. In Sindh, rains are predicted to begin today and may persist throughout the week.
Authorities have placed relevant departments on high alert and urged citizens to take necessary precautions amid continued risk of urban flooding and infrastructure damage.
