The Government of Punjab has declared a one-day public holiday in Rawalpindi district following heavy monsoon rains and worsening flood conditions. The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, who urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential movement due to dangerous weather patterns.
“A rain emergency has been declared. Citizens are requested to remain vigilant and cooperate with rescue authorities,” stated the DC on X (formerly Twitter).
⚠️ Punjab Under Rain Emergency: Key Cities Affected
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that over 60 people have lost their lives and more than 290 have been injured across the province in the last 24 hours due to extreme weather.
Most Affected Areas and Casualties:
- Lahore: 15 deaths
- Faisalabad: 9 deaths
- Okara: 9 deaths
- Sahiwal & Pakpattan: Multiple fatalities
- Sheikhupura & Nankana Sahib: Isolated incidents
The Punjab government has initiated rescue and relief operations with the support of Rescue 1122, WASA, the Pakistan Army, and other emergency teams.
🚨 Rescue Operations Across Punjab
Major Rescue Activities:
- In Jhelum, over 57 people were rescued from villages including Dhok Biddar, Sohawa, and Rasoolpur.
- The Pakistan Army deployed helicopters, boats, and rescue vehicles to evacuate residents.
- In Rawalpindi, WASA has deployed over 400 pumps to clear roads.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad reported the deployment of:
- 800+ rescue boats
- 15,000+ emergency personnel
- Specialized de-watering and jetting machinery
📍 Rawalpindi’s Rain Impact: Record-Breaking Rainfall and Infrastructure Disruption
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has recorded:
- 235 mm rainfall at Katcheri (Chaklala)
- 220 mm at Gawalmandi
- 200 mm at New Katarian
- 196 mm at Pirwadhai
Key city routes including Murree Road, Committee Chowk, and Jamia Masjid Road are severely flooded, impacting traffic and daily life.
🌊 Chakwal Records 400mm Rain in 10 Hours Due to Cloudburst
According to PDMA, Chakwal received 400mm of rain overnight from a rare cloudburst, leading to flash floods across the district. Floodwaters entered buildings, including the Rescue 1122 office, prompting immediate evacuations.
🏥 Casualties and Emergency Medical Response
In Mandi Bahauddin, one child tragically drowned while 11 others were injured, including from electrocution and roof collapses. Rescue teams responded to incidents in College Chowk, Jail Chowk, and Pindi Purani, where water levels rose to 4 feet.
Public hospitals across Punjab are on 24/7 emergency alert. Field hospitals have been activated, and traffic police are managing alternative routes.
📢 Government Response and Public Advisory
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a province-wide rain emergency, ordering:
- Public alerts via sirens and local announcements
- Emergency control rooms to remain active
- Citizens to avoid low-lying areas, canals, and open manholes
- Suspension of public and private sector operations where necessary
“All relevant departments are mobilized, and evacuation orders will be enforced where required,” said CM Maryam.
Weather Forecast and Flood Alerts
According to PMD and NDMA:
- More rainfall is expected in Lahore, Faisalabad, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, and Islamabad over the next 12–20 hours.
- Urban flooding remains a concern for Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad.
- Reservoirs including Tarbela, Mangla, and Rawal Dam are reporting rising water levels.
📞 Emergency Contact and Safety Guidelines
Residents are urged to:
- Call 1122, 16, or 1334 in case of emergency
- Follow all instructions from local administration and Rescue 1122
- Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary
🧭 Final Word: Stay Safe and Informed
As heavy monsoon rains continue to impact Punjab, residents are advised to:
- Remain indoors
- Avoid flood-prone areas
- Stay updated via official government channels
Authorities continue to monitor the situation round the clock, with rescue and relief operations ongoing across all major cities.
