Monsoon rain has wreaked havoc in Punjab, causing widespread devastation over the past 24 hours. At least 30 people have lost their lives, and many more have been injured in incidents related to heavy rainfall. The continuous downpour has triggered roof collapses, flooding, and landslides in various parts of the region.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued urgent warnings about the possibility of more torrential rain, cloudbursts, and flooding in rivers and low-lying areas. Residents across Punjab are urged to take precautions as the monsoon rain continues to impact daily life.
Roof Collapses in Lahore Claim 12 Lives
Lahore, the provincial capital, has been one of the hardest-hit cities, with 12 fatalities reported from roof collapses caused by the relentless monsoon rain. In Raiwind’s Mission Colony, three family members, including the head of the household, were killed when their roof collapsed. Another roof failure in Kot Jamal Pura claimed one life and injured three others.
In Thokar Niaz Baig, five family members, including two children, died when their house collapsed under the pressure of the rain. Three others were also buried under debris in Mominpura when another house roof gave way.
Rescue officials noted that many of these houses were constructed using vulnerable materials like bamboo, clay, and thatch, which were unable to withstand the prolonged monsoon rain. “The continuous downpour weakened the foundations, and these roofs couldn’t handle the weight,” explained a Rescue 1122 spokesperson.
Further Loss of Life Across Punjab
In other parts of Punjab, at least 18 more people have died due to similar incidents. Six fatalities were reported in Faisalabad due to roof collapses, while three people, including two young girls, were killed in Okara. Additional deaths were reported in Pakpattan, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Farooqabad.
A commercial building also collapsed on MA Jinnah Road in Okara, though no casualties were recorded.
Flooding in Rajanpur, Balochistan, and Kashmir
The heavy monsoon rain has also led to flash flooding in several areas, including Rajanpur, where rainfall triggered flooding in rivers and canals, isolating villages. Northeastern Balochistan has experienced similar flooding, and heavy rains in Azad Kashmir have raised concerns about landslides and rising river levels.
PDMA Issues Alerts for Continued Rain
The PDMA has raised alarms for more heavy rainfall in the coming days. The Director General of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, warned that cloudbursts are likely in parts of Punjab, with Lahore and upper catchment areas of rivers being particularly vulnerable. Cities like Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, and Bahawalpur are on high alert for potential flooding.
The PDMA has also highlighted the risk of landslides in hilly areas such as Murree, urging residents to stay cautious.
Lahore Faces Record-Breaking Rainfall
Lahore has witnessed unprecedented rainfall, with the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reporting 171mm of rain at Paniwala Talab — the highest recorded so far this monsoon season. Other areas, including Iqbal Town and Samanabad, saw rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm.
The intense downpour submerged major roads like Ferozepur Road and Canal Road, disrupting traffic and daily life. In Johar Town, rainwater flooded residential buildings, prompting urgent drainage efforts by local authorities.
Ongoing Drainage Efforts in Affected Areas
Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner, Syed Musa Raza, visited the worst-hit areas to supervise the drainage work, alongside officials from WASA. He emphasized that all staff were actively working to clear the waterlogged areas and ensure public safety. Despite the challenges, local authorities confirmed that all underpasses in the city remained clear, ensuring that vital transportation routes were accessible.
As the monsoon rain continues, officials urge residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines to prevent further casualties.
For more details check out 105 Killed in Monsoon Rains Across Pakistan; More Rain Forecast Till July 17
