A flood surge in the Chenab River has caused widespread damage in Chiniot, while in Jhelum, the breach of a drain embankment has worsened difficulties for nearby communities as the third spell of monsoon rains is continuing across Punjab.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the current spell of monsoon rains will continue until July 27. At least nine people have died and 20 others injured in rain-related incidents, including the collapse of mud houses and electrocution, during the past 24 hours.
Rainfall has continued in most districts of Punjab, with low-lying areas in Lahore and other cities inundated. The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours was recorded in Noorpur Thal at 115mm and Gujranwala at 107mm. Other areas received rainfall including Gujrat (94mm), Narowal (68mm), Mandi Bahauddin (65mm), Sialkot (52mm), Lahore (37mm), and Jhelum (32mm). Lahore has received up to 450mm of cumulative rainfall over the past five days.
Heavy rains caused the embankment of Jhelum’s largest rainwater drain, Banhaan, to break, leaving nearby settlements cut off. Repair work has yet to begin.
Meanwhile, a flood flow of 108,000 cusecs is passing through the Chenab River at Chiniot and has entered nearby crops and villages. In Gujrat, urban flooding occurred after 202mm of rain, though WASA teams continued drainage operations throughout the night.
Water levels in rivers and streams have risen due to monsoon rains, but river flows remained stable over the past 24 hours. Low-level flooding has been reported at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa on the Indus River, and at Head Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad on the Chenab River.
PDMA officials warned of a high risk of landslides in the mountainous areas of Murree and flash flooding in low-lying regions due to heavy rains. The PDMA director general has directed district administrations to keep staff and machinery on high alert.
The Punjab PDMA also released a report on rain-related losses, saying that 29 people have died and 203 injured in various incidents during the ongoing monsoon season. The rains have partially damaged 52 houses and killed six livestock animals. Most fatalities occurred due to the collapse of weak structures, damaged roofs, mud houses, lightning strikes, and electrocution.
PDMA Director General Umar Abbas Mela instructed district administrations to remain vigilant during the third monsoon spell and warned of possible urban and flash flooding. Deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure the implementation of Section 144 around rivers and streams.
He said injured people are being provided with the best available medical facilities, while families of those killed are being given financial assistance ranging from Rs1 million to Rs5 million under the provincial government’s policy.
The PDMA chief urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures during the rains, avoid living in weak or dilapidated houses, and keep children away from electricity poles and flooded low-lying areas.
