The ongoing monsoon rains and resulting floods have taken a devastating toll across Pakistan, claiming the lives of at least 105 people and injuring over 211 others between June 26 and July 13, according to a report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Among the deceased are 49 children, 38 men, and 18 women, with one more fatality reported in Khanewal in the last 24 hours alone. A total of 211 individuals have sustained injuries, including 81 men, 82 children, and 48 women.
The extreme weather has not only affected human lives but has also left a trail of destruction in its wake. Over 10 kilometers of roads and nine bridges have been damaged, while 145 houses were completely destroyed and another 310 partially damaged due to flash floods and heavy downpours.
Punjab worst hit; Lahore reports most casualties
In Punjab, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported 44 deaths and 134 injuries caused by rain-related incidents this monsoon season. According to the PDMA, 50 houses were affected, and six cattle were also killed.
A breakdown of the causes reveals that 27 citizens died in building collapses, five were struck by lightning, four died of electrocution, and eight drowned while bathing in floodwaters or rain-fed streams.
In the past 24 hours, four new fatalities have been confirmed -- two in Okara and two in Bahawalnagar -- while 25 individuals sustained injuries in various rain-related accidents.
The PDMA director general confirmed that emergency medical care is being provided to the injured. He also issued a strong advisory urging the public to exercise extreme caution during the ongoing monsoon spell.
“Keep children away from electric wires, poles, and waterlogged areas. Citizens must take all possible precautions during this critical time,” he added.
More rain forecast across Punjab
The PDMA has forecast more rain across Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, and Multan divisions over the coming days, as the third spell of the monsoon is expected to continue till July 17.
Local authorities have been directed to accelerate drainage efforts in low-lying areas to prevent further flooding and minimize damage.
