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63 Dead in Punjab as Torrential Rains Trigger Flood Emergency
Punjab reels under deadly monsoon downpour: 63 dead, 290 injured in 24 hrs. Section 144 imposed, CM Maryam Nawaz declares rain emergency. Rescue efforts ongoing across flood-hit areas.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-17
63 Dead in Punjab as Torrential Rains Trigger Flood Emergency

As monsoon rains continue to batter Punjab, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a countrywide alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms, expected to last through the day. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warns that intense rain spells may continue in parts of the country over the next 24 hours.

The impact in Punjab has been devastating. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 63 people have died and 290 sustained injuries across the province in the last 24 hours alone.

Breakdown of casualties includes:

  • Lahore: 15 dead
  • Faisalabad: 9
  • Sahiwal: 5
  • Pakpattan: 3
  • Okara: 9

Government authorities have announced compensation for the families of the deceased.

Section 144 Enforced Amid Drowning Hazards

Due to rising water levels and unsafe swimming practices, the Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 of the CrPC for 45 days, banning:

  • Bathing in rainwater accumulated in streets and low-lying areas
  • Swimming or boating in rivers, canals, dams, lakes, and ponds
  • Unauthorised boating activities across the province

The order warns of strong currents in water bodies and urges the public to avoid recreational or unsupervised water exposure.

CM Maryam Nawaz Declares Rain Emergency

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared a rain emergency in affected areas. She instructed local authorities to alert residents via sirens and public announcements and emphasized public cooperation with disaster response teams.

Widespread Rescue Operations Underway

In Jhelum, Punjab Rescue 1122, with assistance from the Pakistan Army, rescued over 57 people from floodwaters in Dhok Biddar, Sohawa, Rasoolpur, Chak Muhammad, and Bhampar.
Spokesperson Farooq Ahmad said:

  • Over 15,000 rescue personnel
  • 800+ boats
  • Teams deployed across Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, DG Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, and Layyah

“Children were screaming for help, and women stood on rooftops, waving their shawls,” shared Tariq Bhatti, a farmer from Gujrat’s Ladian village.

Urban Flooding in Major Cities, Rivers Overflowing

Wasa DG Tayyab Farid confirmed rivers have overflowed in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and surrounding regions, urging citizens to:

  • Avoid unnecessary travel
  • Stay away from open manholes, downed power lines, and flooded zones

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) warns of urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad in the next 24 hours, though the wet spell is expected to subside within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, major reservoirs including Tarbela, Mangla, Simly, Rawal, and Khanpur have recorded rising water levels, with Khanpur Dam surging by 4.5 feet.
Tagged:

MonsoonEmergency

PunjabFloods

PakistanRainAlert
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