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Monsoon Fury: Punjab Battles Medium Flooding and Rising Death Toll as More Rains Loom
Monsoon mayhem continues: Medium flood at Kalabagh, 109 deaths across Punjab, and more rains expected. NDMA & PDMA on high alert. PM calls for national disaster response plan.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-18
Monsoon Fury: Punjab Battles Medium Flooding and Rising Death Toll as More Rains Loom

Flooding in Punjab’s Kalabagh region on the Indus River reached a “medium” level on Friday, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Heavy monsoon rains and accelerated glacial melting have triggered flood warnings across the province, with four other locations also experiencing low-level flooding.

The PDMA confirmed that the flow of water at Kalabagh had reached 447,941 cusecs inflow and 440,391 cusecs outflow. Meanwhile, Chashma Barrage, Tarbela Dam, and Sindh’s Guddu and Sukkur barrages also reported rising water levels.

Punjab is facing a grim situation after torrential rains since June 25 have left at least 109 dead, most in house collapse incidents, and 438 injured, according to Punjab Rescue 1122. Lahore alone recorded 24 fatalities, followed by Faisalabad (15), Sheikhupura (11), and Rawalpindi (10).

Rescue operations, assisted by Pakistan Army personnel, continue across flood-affected areas. Over 1,000 people have been evacuated, with helicopters deployed in inaccessible regions. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized the urgency, stating that district emergency centers are operational around the clock and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from electric wires and poles.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of five more rain spells, with the next expected between July 21 and July 28, and further rainfall projected throughout August. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik noted that this year’s monsoon intensity is 60–70% higher than in 2023.

Rainfall data for Lahore recorded 21mm in Nishtar Town and 19mm in Johar Town between 12:20pm and 1pm Friday. Several other areas reported lighter rain, while some recorded none.

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the NDMA and relevant ministries to coordinate with provinces to formulate a comprehensive disaster management plan to mitigate future risks.

As the monsoon season continues through September, authorities remain on high alert, with over 15,000 rescue personnel and 800 boats mobilized across Punjab. PDMA’s data also shows water levels in Mangla Dam at 47% and Tarbela at 79%, while Indian-controlled dams on Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi are at 36% capacity.

Experts warn that the upcoming rain spells could further aggravate the situation, making preparedness, coordinated response, and public awareness critical in minimizing losses in the weeks to come.

 
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Monsoon2025

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