Heavy monsoon rains claim 17 lives across Punjab

Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash several parts of Punjab during the past 24 hours, causing urban flooding, traffic disruptions, power outages and loss

Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash several parts of Punjab during the past 24 hours, causing urban flooding, traffic disruptions, power outages and loss of life. Authorities remained on high alert as widespread rainfall affected both central and northern districts, prompting emergency response teams to intensify drainage operations across the province.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Gujranwala recorded the highest rainfall with 245 millimetres, making it one of the hardest-hit cities. Lahore received 123 millimetres of rain, while Sialkot recorded 139 millimetres, Mandi Bahauddin 138 millimetres, Narowal 117 millimetres and Gujrat 95 millimetres. Other districts also experienced significant rainfall, including Hafizabad with 85 millimetres, Chakwal 70 millimetres, Okara 64 millimetres, Jhang 35 millimetres, Layyah 33 millimetres and Jhelum 32 millimetres.

The PDMA said at least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents since the start of the monsoon season. Twelve of the fatalities occurred after houses and other structures collapsed during heavy rainfall. Two people lost their lives after being struck by lightning, while three others died from electrocution caused by rain-related electrical hazards.

The continuous downpour led to waterlogging in many urban areas, disrupting normal life and slowing traffic on major roads. Several low-lying neighborhoods remained inundated for hours, creating difficulties for commuters and residents. In Gujranwala, the Shamsi Underpass was completely submerged, forcing motorists to use alternative routes as traffic through the area became impossible.

Lahore also witnessed widespread water accumulation on roads in several localities, including Johar Town, Township, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Samanabad, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Model Town, Lakshmi Chowk and surrounding areas. Motorists struggled to navigate flooded streets, while residents in various neighborhoods reported prolonged electricity outages following the heavy rain.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) said emergency teams remained active throughout the province to clear drains and remove standing water. Officials said drainage operations were continuing in 41 districts, while monitoring of rivers, dams and barrages had been intensified due to the ongoing monsoon spell.

In Gujrat, WASA deployed 20 emergency teams across three operational zones to ensure the timely drainage of rainwater. Officials said major roads remained open and traffic continued to move despite the heavy rainfall.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions and warned people not to enter canals, rivers or rainwater drains, saying such areas become extremely dangerous during the monsoon season.