Emergency declared in Punjab as torrential rains kill 33, injure over 170

Torrential monsoon rains have battered parts of Punjab over the past 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding, structural damage, and fatal accidents. At least 33 people have been killed and over 170 injured, according to a spokesperson from Rescue 1122. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared a "rain emergency" across the province, including in Rawalpindi, where sirens were sounded and emergency measures activated. غیر معمولی طوفانی بارشوں اور سیلابی صورتحال پر پنجاب کے مختلف علاقوں میں رین ایمرجنسی نافذ کر دی گئی ہے۔ سرکاری ادارے جذبے اور انتہائی محنت سے کام کر رہے ہیں۔ انتظامیہ کو عوام کو بزریعہ سائرن اور اعلانات آگاہ رکھنے کی ہدایت کر دی گئی ہے۔ عوام اداروں سے تعاون کریں، حفاظتی ہدایات… — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 17, 2025 The provincial government has mobilised all relevant departments, including district administrations, police, and Rescue 1122, to respond to the crisis. Boats, ambulances, helicopters, and specialised rescue vehicles have been deployed to reach flood-affected areas where road access is impossible. The worst-affected cities include Lahore (13 deaths), Faisalabad (8), Pakpattan (4), and Sheikhupura (3). Single fatalities were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal. Most victims were caught in building collapses, flash floods, and rain-related accidents. This is coming from different parts of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The rain is nonstop and it has been two to three days with this. Please don't leave your house unnecessarily and offices are advised to allow work from home these days. Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/d5ynxwyN96 — SyedaSabaBatool (@TheSabaShahh) July 17, 2025 Rescue 1122 continues to operate in extreme conditions, with multiple roads submerged and communication lines disrupted. Field hospitals and medical response teams remain on high alert. The Punjab government has ordered public hospitals to remain on standby and set up 24/7 control rooms to manage flood response. Traffic police have been instructed to arrange alternate routes, and the general public is advised to stay away from canals, rivers, and low-lying areas and avoid venturing out unless necessary. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army is actively conducting rescue and relief operations in areas affected by flooding caused by recent heavy rains. Army personnel have reached flood-hit regions, including Dhok Bhedar and Darapur in Jhelum District, to evacuate residents to safer locations and provide food, medical aid, and other essential assistance. The water level in Leh Nullah was rising and currently measured about 21 feet at Katarian and 20 feet at Gawalmandi. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, over 230 mm of rain had fallen in the twin cities, a spokesman for WASA Rawalpindi said. Because of the weather, the deputy commissioner declared a one-day holiday in Rawalpindi district and asked people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, rain measurements included 132 mm at Saidpur Village, 164 mm at Golra (near E-11), 185 mm at Bokra (CTTI I-12), 152 mm at PMD (H-8/2) in Islamabad, and 158 mm at Shamsabad (RAMC). In Rawalpindi, 235 mm was recorded at Katcheri (near Chaklala), 196 mm at Pirwidahi, 220 mm at Gawalmandi, and 200 mm at New Katarian. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed over 400 pumps to clear water from roads. Rainwater accumulated at multiple points along Murree Road, particularly at Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Chowk, Banni Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road, Iqbal Road, and other key routes, causing significant traffic disruptions. A WASA spokesperson said teams equipped with heavy machinery were working continuously to drain water from roads and low-lying areas. The operation is being personally supervised by WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf. The spokesperson added that Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin and Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal are in constant contact with the managing director to monitor the drainage efforts. Lahore records 136mm rain in 3hrs, breaking decades-old record! @MaryamNSharif orders immediate action: WASA deploys 400+ pumps, Rescue 1122 clears roads. Punjab Govt sets up 24/7 control rooms to tackle urban flooding. Stay safe, Lahoris! #LahoreRain #PunjabResponse#SkyNani pic.twitter.com/T1rtgu9awL — Husnain (@Hus_Zulfiqar) July 10, 2025 Emergency response teams, including Rescue 1122, are clearing debris and restoring access in major cities. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, rain measurements included 132 mm at Saidpur Village, 164 mm at Golra (near E-11), 185 mm at Bokra (CTTI I-12), 152 mm at PMD (H-8/2) in Islamabad, and 158 mm at Shamsabad (RAMC). In Rawalpindi, 235 mm was recorded at Katcheri (near Chaklala), 196 mm at Pirwidahi, 220 mm at Gawalmandi, and 200 mm at New Katarian. Chakwal and Jhelum also saw intense rainfall, with 142 mm and 81 mm, respectively. 🛑 چکوال میں کئی گھنٹوں سے مسلسل طوفانی ⚡⚡ بارشوں کے باعث سیلاب آگیا☔ ⛈️ سڑکیں دریا کا منظر پیش کرنے لگیں، کئی کئی فٹ پانی.. pic.twitter.com/GM3H39ORqI — PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) July 16, 2025 Further intermittent rain is forecast over the next 12–20 hours, with some reduction in intensity expected. However, thunderstorms and strong winds are still likely in Islamabad, Pothohar, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan and central and southern Punjab. CM Punjab has urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow safety guidelines, and avoid risky areas to prevent further loss of life. She also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow announcements and evacuation orders, and take every precaution to protect lives. As the rainstorms continue, emergency response teams remain on high alert, working around the clock to mitigate the effects of the devastating floods. Emergency services remain on high alert as rescue and relief efforts continue around the clock.

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