At least 30 people lost their lives and several others were injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab in the past 24 hours, as heavy monsoon downpours battered the province.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued fresh alerts, predicting more torrential rains, potential cloudbursts, and flooding in rivers and low-lying areas across the region.
12 killed in Lahore roof collapses
Lahore, the provincial capital, was among the worst-hit cities, where 12 people died in separate roof collapse incidents triggered by continuous rainfall overnight.
In Mission Colony, Raiwind, three members of a family — including the head of the household — were killed when their roof caved in. Another roof collapse in Kot Jamal Pura, also in Raiwind, claimed one life and left three injured.
In Thokar Niaz Baig, five members of the same family, including two children, died when their house collapsed under the weight of the rain. A father and daughter sustained injuries in the same incident. Meanwhile, in Mominpura, three people were buried under debris after a house roof gave way.
Rescue officials said the collapsed structures were built with bamboo, thatch, clay, and wood, making them particularly vulnerable during extended periods of rain. “The continuous downpour weakened the foundations, and these roofs could not withstand the pressure,” said a Rescue 1122 spokesperson.
18 more killed across Punjab
Beyond Lahore, at least 18 people were reported dead in similar incidents across multiple cities in Punjab.
In Faisalabad, six people died due to roof collapses in various locations.
In Pakpattan and Okara, three fatalities were confirmed, including two young girls who perished when a house roof collapsed in Okara.
In Sheikhupura, two deaths were reported, while Nankana Sahib and Farooqabad accounted for three more casualties.
In a separate incident, a commercial building on MA Jinnah Road in Okara collapsed due to rain, but no casualties were reported.
Flooding reported in Rajanpur, Balochistan, and Kashmir
In Rajanpur, rains on Koh Sulaiman triggered flash floods in rivers and canals, cutting off land routes to several villages. Similar scenes of river flooding were reported from northeastern Balochistan.
Heavy rains were also recorded in Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Jhelum Valley, Leepa Valley, Karnah, and Poonch divisions, raising concerns of landslides and rising river levels.
PDMA issues alert for further rains, landslides
Director General PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, said a cloudburst is possible in parts of Punjab today, with heavy rainfall expected in Lahore and the upper catchment areas of rivers.
Cities on high alert include: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Murree, Mianwali, Narowal, Gujarat, Sialkot, Toba Tek Singh, Mandi Bahauddin, and DG Khan.
The PDMA warned of potential flooding in rivers and canals, especially in low-lying urban zones, and highlighted the risk of landslides in mountainous regions like Murree.
Record-breaking rainfall submerges Lahore
According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Lahore’s Paniwala Talab recorded 171mm of rainfall — the highest so far this monsoon — followed by Iqbal Town at 169mm. Other areas, including Samanabad, Tajpura, and Lakshmi Chowk, also received more than 100mm of rain.
Major roads such as Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, and Gulberg were submerged, severely affecting traffic flow. In Johar Town’s Board of Revenue Society, rainwater entered residential buildings, prompting urgent drainage measures.
Drainage efforts underway across low-lying areas
Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, along with WASA officials, visited waterlogged areas near Gaddafi Stadium. He directed immediate drainage work and instructed all assistant commissioners to personally supervise relief operations in their respective areas.
“All WASA staff and district administration teams are actively engaged in drainage efforts,” said Mr Raza. Authorities also urged residents to avoid contact with electrical wires during the downpour to prevent accidents.
Despite the flooding, the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell reported that all underpasses in the city had remained clear and accessible throughout the day.
Air travel affected due to poor visibility
The stormy conditions also caused delays in air travel. At Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, three incoming flights — including PIA flights from Jeddah and Dubai, and a foreign airline — were instructed to hold in the air due to low visibility and adverse weather.
PDMA issues statewide alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued alerts to all deputy commissioners across Punjab, instructing them to activate emergency protocols and remain on high alert. The current wet spell, according to the Meteorological Department, is expected to continue until July 17.
As rescue and relief efforts continue in affected localities, authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary movement and stay indoors until conditions improve.
