ISLAMABAD: At least 10 people lost their lives as heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Punjab, triggering widespread urban flooding, building collapses, and lightning strikes, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The intense downpour affected several districts, especially in central and southern Punjab, following weeks of severe heat.
According to Rescue 1122, 46 emergency cases were handled in the past 24 hours, with 39 victims hospitalized and seven fatalities reported.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Deaths were reported in Jhelum, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Kasur, and Khanewal.
A 5-year-old girl, Dua Fatima, died after a bamboo roof caved in at Basti Riazabad, Okara.
Two people died in Jhelum when a loader rickshaw plunged into a storm drain.
Two others were crushed in Muzaffargarh by a collapsing wall.
Kasur also witnessed a tragic roof collapse, killing two girls.
Additionally, lightning strikes killed two farmers in Khanewal and Toba Tek Singh.
The PDMA reported the highest rainfall in Faisalabad’s GMA Town (98mm), followed by Madina Town (91mm), while Lahore’s Nishtar Town recorded 50mm.
Rain also drenched other areas, including Kasur (63mm), Sheikhupura (50mm), and Sargodha (45mm).
Urban Flooding and Government Response
The torrential rains submerged low-lying areas, blocked underpasses, and disrupted traffic in cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan.
Power outages further aggravated the urban chaos, especially in Lahore’s Nishtar Town.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia announced that compensation will be provided to families of the deceased under government policy.
He warned that this monsoon spell is expected to persist until July 1, urging citizens to adopt safety precautions.
Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman instructed officials to remain on high alert.
He emphasized rapid drainage of water, activation of dewatering pumps, and timely cleaning of sewers to prevent further disasters.
