Unrelenting torrential rains in Punjab have caused widespread flooding and damage, particularly in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where over 230 millimetres of rain has been recorded so far. According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the situation remains critical, prompting emergency measures including potential military deployment.
Twin Cities Submerged
As water levels surged dangerously—22 feet at Katarian and 23 feet at Gowalmandi Bridge—authorities issued evacuation warnings in flood-prone areas near Nullah Leh. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more downpours, raising concerns of urban flooding.
WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf confirmed that rescue teams and heavy machinery have been mobilized in low-lying areas, with Rescue 1122 placed on high alert.
Areas most affected by flooding in Rawalpindi include:
- Kachehri: 105mm
- Bokra: 95mm
- Pirwadhai & Gowalmandi: 90mm
- Katarian: 80mm
- Shamsabad, Golra, and Saidpur: 53mm–77mm
The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner has declared a public holiday, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Chakwal Cloudburst Breaks Records
Further devastation struck Chakwal, where a rare cloudburst dumped 423mm of rain, flooding homes and roads. Additional Deputy Commissioner Bilal Bin Hafeez confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing. The situation was described as “dire,” with several small dams overflowing and water entering the historic Katas Raj Temple.
In Jhelum, floodwaters inundated surrounding villages, forcing the district administration to call in the army and helicopter rescue teams.
Widespread Damage Across Punjab
The disaster has not spared other regions either. Sheikhupura, for example, received 217mm of rain, while Lahore, Okara, Pakpatan, and Faisalabad all reported significant roof collapses, traffic incidents, and fatalities.
According to Dr. Rizwan, Secretary Emergency Services, since the start of the monsoon season:
- 310 roofs have collapsed
- 15 major traffic accidents occurred
- 90 deaths reported in Punjab since June 16
- 43 deaths occurred in the past 24 hours alone
Breakdown of recent fatalities:
- Lahore: 16
- Faisalabad: 9
- Sheikhupura: 5
- Okara & Pakpatan: 4 each
- Chakwal: 2
- Nankana, Sahiwal, Mandi Bahauddin: 1 each
Balochistan Also Hit
The monsoon devastation extends to Balochistan, where 16 people have died and 11 homes were destroyed. Jahanzeb Khan Ghorezai, DG of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), warned that rains may continue until early September.
“Climate change is a big challenge all over the world,” said Dr. Rizwan on Geo Pakistan.
Also Read:
👉 Pakistan: Calamitous rains wreak havoc in Punjab and KP, claim 116 lives — for a broader look at monsoon impact across regions.
