Islamabad, July 19 (ANI): The death toll from relentless monsoon rains in Pakistan’s Punjab province has surged to 123 since June 25, with 71 fatalities reported in just the past 48 hours, Dawn reported, citing data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread urban flooding, particularly affecting residential areas. On Friday alone, 10 people lost their lives. Rescue authorities have also reported 462 injuries during this period.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of more heavy downpours beginning July 20, while the PDMA issued alerts about a possible high-level flood in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, expected within 24 hours. Emergency protocols are now in motion.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that over 1,000 people had been evacuated from flood-affected regions in Pothohar, including 398 in Jhelum, 209 in Chakwal, and 450 in Rawalpindi.
According to Rescue 1122, Friday’s fatalities included three deaths each in Lahore and Chiniot, two in Okara, and one each in Chakwal and Sargodha. In Chakwal, which saw some of the heaviest rainfall, flash floods claimed multiple lives. One death was caused by a roof collapse triggered by a falling rock.
The floods have also triggered extended power outages. In Chakwal, electricity has remained down for three consecutive days. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reported damage to 99 high-tension and 48 low-tension poles, along with 65 transformers. Restoration may take another 48 hours, said IESCO Superintendent Engineer Waheed Ahmed Abbasi.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to visit Chakwal today to assess the situation and oversee ongoing relief operations.