Over 170 have been injured in rain-related incident in different parts of province
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 17th, 2025) The torrential monsoon rains on Thursday wreaked havoc across various districts of Punjab which prompted the provincial government to declare a rain emergency after at least 33 people lost their lives and over 170 were injured in rain-related incidents.
The official reports said that Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and surrounding areas have experienced intense downpours, resulting in flash floods in streams and nullahs.
In response, Punjab WASA Director General Tayyab Fareed has mobilized all field teams to manage the emergency, ensuring drainage systems are operational at full capacity.
In Lahore, the monsoon system remains active, with light to heavy rain expected throughout the city. Temperatures are forecast to hover between 27°C and 29°C.
Emergency staff from WASA, LWMC, the Municipal Corporation, and the Housing Department remain on high alert.
DG WASA stated, “All disposal stations are running at full capacity. Rescue teams are present in the field and are fully prepared for any emergency.” Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from exposed electrical wires and open manholes.
In a related update, a spokesperson for WASA Punjab confirmed that water drainage is being monitored closely in vulnerable and low-lying areas. Offices have been directed to ensure 24/7 supervision and deployment of all available resources to mitigate urban flooding.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said this year’s monsoon rains have so far claimed 103 lives and injured 393 individuals. Additionally, 128 houses have been damaged and 6 livestock killed.
In the past 24 hours alone, monsoon-related incidents resulted in 63 deaths and 290 injuries. Lahore reported the highest number of casualties (15), followed by Faisalabad (9), Sahiwal (5), Pakpattan (3), and Okara (9).
PDMA has also issued a flood alert for rivers and streams, warning of rising water levels due to ongoing rain. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid staying in old or structurally weak houses and to take all precautionary measures, especially in flood-prone areas.
“Most fatalities have resulted from roof collapses of dilapidated structures,” said the DG of PDMA, adding that children must be kept away from electric poles and stagnant water to prevent further tragedies.
CM Maryam Nawaz orders province-wide rain emergency
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the imposition of a province-wide rain emergency, citing the extraordinary rainfall and flood conditions.
In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she assured the public that all government agencies are working tirelessly. She instructed local administrations to keep citizens informed through sirens and public announcements, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and adherence to safety protocols.
“Let’s work together to keep Punjab safe during this difficult weather spell,” she added.