22 dead, 183 injured in Punjab rains

Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Abbas has said that 22 people have died and 183 others were injured in various rain-related incidents across Punjab.

Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Abbas has said that 22 people have died and 183 others were injured in various rain-related incidents across Punjab.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Abbas said the Gujranwala and Rawalpindi divisions received the highest rainfall during the recent spell. He added that the water situation in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers remains normal.

According to the PDMA chief, a breach developed in an embankment in Sheikhupura, but authorities immediately repaired it and filled the gap.

Abbas said new machinery had been acquired under the Punjab Development Programme to improve the province’s ability to respond to emergencies. He claimed that water accumulation this year was three times lower than last year.

He said the authorities had also completed the cleaning of major drains before the monsoon season to reduce the risk of urban flooding and waterlogging.

The PDMA director general said Punjab’s electricity infrastructure is outdated, and relevant authorities are reviewing several issues concerning the power system.

He further said that encroachments and people living in riverbeds have been removed as part of measures to prevent casualties during flooding.

According to Abbas, protective embankments are also being constructed at several locations along rivers to strengthen flood protection and minimise the impact of rising water levels.

The latest figures highlight the continuing risks posed by heavy monsoon rains across Punjab, while authorities are monitoring rainfall, river levels and vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of life and property.