Catastrophic Monsoon Rains Wreak Havoc in Punjab
Rawalpindi | July 17, 2025 – Punjab is grappling with devastating floods after relentless monsoon rains battered the province, leaving at least 60 dead and hundreds injured in the past 24 hours. Authorities have imposed Section 144 across the province and declared an emergency in multiple districts as rescue operations struggle to evacuate stranded residents.
State of Emergency Declared Amid Rising Death Toll
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier warned of torrential rains, but the scale of destruction has surpassed expectations. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 61 fatalities and 268 injuries, with fears that the toll may rise as more rains are forecasted.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a rain emergency in severely affected areas, urging citizens to follow safety advisories.
“We are facing unprecedented flooding. Rescue teams, including the Pakistan Army, are working round the clock. Citizens must avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from floodwaters,” she said.
Section 144: Ban on Swimming, Boating Amid Floods
The Punjab Home Department issued an order under Section 144, prohibiting:
- Bathing in stagnant rainwater on roads and open areas
- Swimming in rivers, canals, and dams
- Unauthorized boating activities
The ban, effective for 45 days, aims to prevent drowning incidents as water levels in major reservoirs, including Mangla and Tarbela, surge dangerously.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Jhelum, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi are among the worst-hit areas. In Jhelum, over 50 rescue boats and army personnel evacuated trapped families from submerged villages.
“Children were screaming for help, women stood on rooftops waving for rescue,” recounted Tariq Mehbood Bhatti, a farmer from Gujrat’s Ladian village.
Chakwal recorded a staggering 400mm of rain in 10 hours, triggering flash floods that swept away mini-dams and inundated homes.
Urban Flooding Alert in Major Cities
The PMD’s Flood Forecasting Division warned of urban flooding in:
- Rawalpindi
- Gujranwala
- Faisalabad
In Rawalpindi, the Leh Nullah swelled beyond danger levels, prompting evacuations. Helicopters were deployed to rescue families stranded on Chakri Road.
PM Shehbaz Calls for National Disaster Plan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) and ordered authorities to prepare a comprehensive disaster management plan.
*”Pakistan is among the top 10 climate-vulnerable nations. We must build resilience against such disasters,”* he stressed.
Key Updates:
- Mandi Bahauddin: A 10-year-old boy drowned, 11 injured in rain-related incidents.
- Mangla Dam: Authorities confirm no immediate overflow threat, but water levels are being monitored.
- Islamabad: High alert issued as more rains expected.
What’s Next?
The NDMA predicts more downpours in the next 24 hours, particularly in:
- Lahore
- Sialkot
- Sheikhupura
- Hafizabad
Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to move to safer locations.
Human Impact: Stories of Survival
In Chakwal’s Budhial village, floodwaters submerged homes, forcing families to flee.
“I’ve never seen such flooding. Our cattle were swept away,” said Prof Syed Ali Raza, a local resident.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to battle rising waters, with 15,000 personnel and 800 boats deployed across Punjab.
Final Thoughts
As Punjab battles one of its worst monsoon spells, the focus remains on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. With climate change intensifying weather extremes, Pakistan’s disaster response mechanisms are being tested like never before.
Stay tuned for updates.
