Punjab declares emergency as monsoon floods strike

• Torrential rains over the past 24 hours have claimed 33 lives and injured more than 170 people, according to Rescue 1122.

• In response, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared a rain emergency across the province, including Rawalpindi, with sirens activated and emergency protocols put in place.

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🚨 Mobilisation of rescue efforts

• A full-scale emergency response is underway: district administrations, police, Rescue 1122, helicopters, ambulances, boats, and specialised vehicles have been deployed to the most affected areas.

• The Pakistan Army has joined rescue and relief efforts, especially in locations where roads have become impassable.

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📍 Most affected cities

• The highest fatalities occurred in Lahore (13), Faisalabad (8), Pakpattan (4), and Sheikhupura (3). Additional casualties were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal.

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🏥 Infrastructure and disruption

• Emergency field hospitals are operational, with public hospitals on high alert and 24/7 control centers activated. Traffic has been rerouted to avoid flooded or hazardous areas.

• WASA has deployed over 400 pumps to drain water from urban areas and clear submerged roads.

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🌊 Record rainfall and flood warnings

• Intense rainfall measurements in Rawalpindi and Islamabad reached up to 235 mm, causing flash flooding and surging water levels in low-lying zones.

• PDMA has issued flood alerts, warning of rising levels in major rivers like Jhelum and has urged residents to avoid vulnerable areas.

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⚠️ Broader context & implications

• This surge in monsoon rains is part of Pakistan’s ongoing 2025 monsoon season, which has already claimed more than 150 lives nationwide and injured over 300. Pre-monsoon floods in June and July had already impacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir.

• The volume of rain in July has been exceptionally high—over 80% above normal nationwide, with Punjab registering at 124% above its July average—leading to historic flooding in cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.

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📝 Key takeaways