63 killed as record 427mm rainfall batters Pindi division; more rain predicted
- Punjab declares state of emergency in several districts along with imposition of Section 144
- Flood triggered by cloudburst causes a breach in Chakwal dam, prompting mass evacuation of population
- Army helicopter airlift stranded people from flood-affected areas
- Pindi DC declares a one-day holiday, advising residents to stay indoors unless necessary
- Punjab mobilises all relevant departments and deploys boats, ambulances, helicopters, and specialised rescue vehicles to respond to the crisis
- Floodwater enters Kattas Raj temples in Chakwal with a number of areas, including Ararr Mughlan, Takiya Murad Shah, Mohra Mast, Khanpur and others facing flood situations.
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The Pakistan Army on Thursday deployed helicopters and personnel for rescue operations as Punjab declared a state of emergency in several districts along with the imposition of Section 144 in response to cloudburst and heavy monsoon rains that triggered flooding, claiming 63 lives across the province, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.
“Pakistan Army carried out large-scale relief efforts, focusing on hard-to-reach areas to assist residents stranded by the devastating floods,” Radio Pakistan reported
As part of immediate relief efforts, numerous individuals from flood-hit regions have been relocated to safer locations. Residents in rain-affected regions were also provided with life jackets, along with essential relief
“Record 427 millimeters of rain, recorded in Chakwal and its suburbs in only 10 hours that led to flooding, prompting the district administration to declare a rain emergency,” the NDMA said, adding that in the Chakri Rajan village, three people were rescued, while 27 individuals were evacuated from Chakwal and Khanpur. Additionally, 10 people were rescued from Chak Monjo, 31 from Dhok Bhadr, and 38 in the Darapur area.
The NDMA said that recent downpours have triggered severe flooding and building collapses across various regions, especially in Punjab, with most fatalities resulting from the collapse of weak roofs in vulnerable homes.
Rainwater entered people’s homes, forcing them to spend the night under open skies.
The floodwater has entered Kattas Raj temples in Chakwal with a number of areas including Ararr Mughlan, Takiya Murad Shah, Mohra Mast, Khanpur, Choasaidan Shah were facing the flood situation
In the last 24 hours alone, 63 fatalities have been reported, with 290 people injured. The deaths include 15 in Lahore, nine in Faisalabad, five in Sahiwal, three in Pakpattan, and nine in Okara, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced an emergency in multiple districts, including Rawalpindi and Chakwal, due to the deteriorating weather conditions.
In a post on X, she said, “An emergency has been declared in various areas of Punjab due to unprecedented stormy rains and flooding. Government institutions are working with zeal and utmost effort.
Due to weather conditions, the deputy commissioner declared a one-day holiday in the Rawalpindi District and advised residents to stay indoors unless necessary.
Rescue 1122 continues to operate under extreme conditions, with many roads submerged and communication lines disrupted. Field hospitals and emergency medical teams remain on high alert.
Public hospitals across Punjab have been placed on standby, with 24/7 control rooms set up to manage flood response operations. Traffic police have been instructed to arrange alternative routes, and the public has been advised to avoid canals, rivers, low-lying areas, and unnecessary travel.
Moreover, the water level in Nullah Leh is rising and currently measures approximately 21 feet at Katarian and 20 feet at Gawalmandi. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, over 230 mm of rain has fallen in the twin cities, a spokesman for WASA Rawalpindi said.
