The Punjab province of Pakistan has declared a state of emergency in multiple districts and imposed Section 144 following relentless monsoon rains that caused severe flooding and claimed over 60 lives in just 24 hours. According to official data, 63 people have died and 290 others were injured across the province.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have warned that heavy rain will continue for another 24 hours, with urban flooding expected in major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad. The monsoon spell is likely to ease in the next 48 hours.
The Punjab Home Department issued an order banning all bathing, swimming, and unauthorized boating activities in water bodies and flooded areas for 45 days, citing the high risk of drowning. The standing water in low-lying areas has been declared hazardous, especially for children.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed a rain emergency across various districts and instructed local authorities to issue alerts via sirens and public announcements. In Jhelum, rescue operations led by Punjab Rescue 1122 and the Pakistan Army have saved at least 57 people using more than 50 boats.
Across the province, over 15,000 rescue personnel and 800 boats remain on high alert. Rising water levels at Tarbela, Mangla, Khanpur, Simly, and Rawal dams have further intensified concerns.
Since June 26, monsoon rains have killed 178 people nationwide, with Punjab alone accounting for 103 deaths. Most fatalities have resulted from house collapses, displacing families and damaging hundreds of homes.