Chakwal worst-hit as death toll climbs to 123 since late June
LAHORE – At least 70 people have lost their lives over the past 48 hours as unrelenting monsoon rains continue to batter Punjab, pushing the total number of rain-related deaths in the province to 123 since the onset of the monsoon season in late June, Express News reported.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the devastation stems from widespread roof collapses, landslides, and flash floods triggered by the torrential downpours. Since June 25, at least 462 people have been injured, while many low-lying areas remain waterlogged.
Friday marked the deadliest day yet, with 10 fatalities reported across Lahore, Chiniot, Okara, Chakwal, and Sargodha. Lahore and Chiniot recorded three deaths each, Okara reported two, while Chakwal and Sargodha reported one each.
Chakwal has emerged as the most severely affected district, where intense rainfall has caused flash floods and major landslides in hilly areas, leading to widespread displacement and destruction of homes.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that over 1,000 people have been rescued from the Pothohar region alone. Rescue efforts included 450 people in Rawalpindi, 398 in Jhelum, and 209 in Chakwal.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that another spell of heavy monsoon rain is expected to begin from July 20. Thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides are forecast across several regions, including Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
High flood levels are anticipated in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma. In response, authorities have issued high alerts, urging local administrations to activate emergency response plans, issue early warnings, and prepare temporary shelters for at-risk communities.
