As relentless monsoon rains continue across the province, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered comprehensive flood preparedness measures, placing the entire provincial machinery on high alert. Her leadership comes amid rising death tolls and growing threats to infrastructure and public safety.
CM Maryam Nawaz Reviews Punjab Flood Preparedness at PDMA Headquarters
During a visit to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), CM Maryam was briefed on the evolving flood situation and emergency response plans.
- PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia updated her on early warning systems, rescue equipment deployment, and inter-agency coordination.
- She personally reviewed evacuation protocols and was shown response timelines in flood-prone zones.
Over 1,063 individuals have already been rescued through coordinated efforts, with an average evacuation time of just 23 minutes, demonstrating the impact of improved Punjab flood preparedness.
Emergency Flood Rescue Operations Intensify Across Punjab
Districts such as Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Jhelum saw aggressive evacuation operations:
- Rawalpindi: 6 people airlifted
- Chakwal: 27 helicopter rescues, 182 by Rescue 1122
- Jhelum: 160 air evacuations, 174 by Rescue 1122, and 64 by the Pakistan Army
CM Maryam praised the synergy between PDMA, Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Army, and district authorities, reinforcing the value of coordinated flood preparedness during peak monsoon threats.
Punjab Orders Urgent Drainage and Public Safety Actions
On July 19, CM Maryam issued city-wide instructions to:
- Ensure immediate drainage of rainwater, especially in private housing societies
- Use mosque announcements and loudspeakers to warn against bathing in flood-prone rivers and canals
- Assign Deputy Commissioners to remain on-site until all drainage, cleanup, and floodwater diversion tasks are complete
These directives support holistic Punjab flood preparedness by targeting urban flooding risks at the local level.
Monitoring Flood Damage and Infrastructure Loss
CM Maryam demanded detailed reports on:
- Damage to road networks, public infrastructure, and rice crops
- Required restorations from the Communications and Works Department
She acknowledged significant improvements in the flood response timeline, noting that water which previously stood for days now clears within hours—a testament to evolving flood management protocols.
Pakistan’s Monsoon Toll: 193 Lives Lost, Punjab Hardest Hit
Between June 26 and July 17, nationwide damage from monsoon rains has surged:
- 193 deaths (including 114 in Punjab)
- 544 injured, with 437 from Punjab
- 689 homes damaged or destroyed
- 193 livestock animals lost
These figures highlight the urgency behind Punjab’s strengthened flood preparedness efforts and the need for sustained climate adaptation.
Latest Update: Punjab Monsoon Death Toll Hits 123 as More Rains Loom
As of July 19, Punjab has reported:
- 71 deaths in the last 48 hours
- A total of 123 fatalities since June 25
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts further heavy downpours beginning July 20. The PDMA warns of high-level floods at Kalabagh and Chashma, prompting emergency alerts across river-adjacent regions.
Power Outages and Rescue in Flood-Struck Chakwal
Chakwal remains among the hardest-hit districts:
- Three recent deaths (including two swept by flash floods)
- Major power outages after 99 high-tension and 48 low-tension poles and 65 transformers were damaged
- Power restoration is expected to take at least 48 hours, per IESCO engineers
CM Maryam is scheduled to personally visit affected communities to supervise continued relief and monitor flood preparedness efforts on the ground.
AQs: Punjab Flood Emergency and CM Maryam’s Response
What actions has CM Maryam Nawaz taken for Punjab flood preparedness?
She ordered a province-wide alert, activated emergency response systems, reinforced early warnings, and ensured rapid evacuation and drainage plans.
How many people have been rescued due to flood-related operations?
Over 1,000 people have been rescued in affected regions such as Rawalpindi, Jhelum, and Chakwal through coordinated efforts of PDMA, Rescue 1122, and the Army.
What’s the expected forecast for Punjab?
The PMD expects heavy rainfall starting July 20, with a possibility of high-level flooding in river regions, especially Kalabagh and Chashma.
Which areas are most vulnerable to flooding in Punjab?
Districts like Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Jhelum remain highly vulnerable due to terrain, rainfall levels, and river proximity.
Conclusion: Punjab’s Flood Preparedness Put to the Test
The current crisis has put Punjab flood preparedness under sharp focus. Under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, proactive measures are helping minimize risk and save lives.
Her push for real-time evacuation, infrastructure protection, and community awareness is shaping a more resilient response as Punjab faces climate-driven threats.