ISLAMABAD: An emergency has been declared across several regions of Punjab following deadly rainstorms that have claimed the lives of 33 individuals and left over 170 others injured.
The intense downpours have caused flash floods in areas like Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and surrounding regions, where streams and rivers have overflowed dangerously.
Under the instructions of Tayyab Fareed, Director General of Punjab WASA, all WASA field teams are fully mobilized and working on emergency response.
In Lahore, as in other cities of Punjab, the monsoon system continues to bring sporadic rainfall, ranging from light to heavy showers. Temperatures in Lahore are expected to range between 27°C and 29°C.
Due to the ongoing rainfall, officials from WASA, LWMC, the Metropolitan Corporation, and the Housing Department are on high alert.
WASA’s DG confirmed that all water disposal stations are operating at full capacity, and emergency teams are present in the field to manage the situation.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of exposed electric wires and open manholes.
All WASA offices have received strict instructions to monitor drainage operations closely during and after the rain, especially in low-lying areas where water accumulation is most severe.
The WASA spokesperson added that the situation is being monitored in real-time.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), this year’s monsoon rains have resulted in 103 deaths and 393 injuries.
Moreover, 128 homes have been damaged, and 6 cattle have perished. In the past 24 hours alone, 63 deaths and 290 injuries were recorded due to the relentless rains.
Fatalities include 15 in Lahore, 9 in Faisalabad, 5 in Sahiwal, 3 in Pakpattan, and 9 in Okara.
The DG of PDMA has warned that monsoon rains will continue across Punjab and that alerts have been issued for potential flooding in rivers and streams.
Citizens are strongly urged to take safety precautions and avoid living in old, unstable buildings. Most fatalities have resulted from collapsing roofs in deteriorated structures.
Parents are also urged to keep children away from electrical installations and low-lying, flood-prone areas.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that a rain emergency has been imposed in various parts of Punjab due to the unusual intensity of the storms and resulting floods.
She praised government departments for working with dedication and instructed local administrations to use sirens and loudspeakers to keep citizens informed.
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The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to cooperate with emergency services and strictly follow all issued safety guidelines to minimize loss of life and property.
