In a tragic series of events, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in several regions of the country, leading to the loss of 19 lives. The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were hit hard as walls collapsed, claiming 13 lives, while six people were electrocuted in Punjab due to the rain. The downpour turned tranquil areas into scenes of chaos and destruction.
One of the heart-wrenching incidents took place near Golra Mor on Peshawar Road in Islamabad. An under-construction underpass collapsed, burying 11 laborers under its debris, resulting in their untimely deaths. Despite the prompt response from Rescue 1122, the victims could not be saved.
In Lahore, five people, including two children, lost their lives due to electrocution in rainwater. The tragic incidents occurred in different areas of the city, leaving families devastated.
In response to the heavy rainfall and flooding in certain areas of Rawalpindi, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, ordered urgent water drainage. He emphasized the need for swift action to alleviate the hardships faced by affected residents. Rescue 1122 and other relevant institutions were mobilized to expedite relief efforts and minimize the impact of the rain.
The continuous rainfall caused widespread flooding in various localities across the twin cities and neighboring regions. The Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall in several areas, exacerbating the situation. The situation in Rawalpindi’s Shamsabad area was particularly severe, with 188 mm of rain reported. Other regions, including Chaklala, Kachhari, Bokra, Golra, and Zero Point, also experienced heavy rainfall.
The monsoon downpours were not limited to the twin cities; other parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab were also affected. The Met Office issued forecasts of more rains, prompting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to instruct all relevant departments to remain on high alert. The NDMA also coordinated with provincial disaster management authorities and rescue services to ensure preparedness for any emergencies.
In the wake of the devastating incidents, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives. He directed the administration to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions during the heavy rains.
India’s release of more waters in the Sutlej and Chenab rivers added to the flooding woes. The NDMA closely monitored the flow of water in various dams and rivers, alerting relevant authorities about potential flood risks.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident near Golra Mor, Abdul Aleem Khan, President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He urged concerned authorities to implement necessary safety measures to protect workers and prevent such incidents in the future.
As the rain continued to pour and the risks of flooding remained, the country stood united in mourning the loss of lives and in taking proactive measures to safeguard communities. The focus was on relief efforts, drainage operations, and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact of the heavy rain and ensure the safety of the people.
