Heavy rainfall in Punjab, Pakistan, has resulted in 166 deaths, and flood warnings have been issued due to the increased risk.
Heavy Monsoon Rains Cause Flooding and Loss of Life in Pakistan
Pakistan is currently experiencing a severe monsoon season, with heavy rains causing flooding and resulting in a significant loss of life. According to the latest reports, at least 166 people have died and 82 have sustained injuries during this ongoing monsoon season.
The majority of the deaths have been reported in Punjab province, with at least 10 reported deaths in the province and hundreds more in nearby northern regions like Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued flood warnings covering Lahore and many other cities, forecasting heavy rainfall continuing until August 21 that may intensify floods and disrupt urban and rural areas.
In addition to Punjab, the death toll from torrential rains in the broader northwest Pakistan region, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has surged with nearly 200 deaths within 24 hours reported. Many lives were lost primarily due to flooding, lightning, and structural collapses in districts such as Buner.
The PDMA has directed authorities to maintain operational drainage systems and mobilize rescue and sanitation agencies in response to the flood warnings. The seventh and stronger monsoon spell through August 21 is expected to impact most districts heavily, especially low-lying and river catchment areas, raising concerns over urban flooding and water disposal infrastructure.
Climate studies indicate that this event is part of a trend where climate change has intensified monsoon rainfall in Pakistan by around 15% or more, contributing to the scale and frequency of floods impacting highly vulnerable urban and informal settlements built in flood-prone areas across Punjab and northern regions. The flood-related deaths also include numerous house collapses, amplified by weak building codes and environmental degradation.
In Lahore, the Water and Sanitation Authority recorded 86mm rainfall at Pani Wala Talab, among other locations. Gujranwala received 36.8 millimetres of rainfall, while Sialkot received the highest rainfall in the province with 78 millimetres. Residents in low-lying areas should stay alert for further updates.
Section 144 has been imposed along rivers, canals, and streams to prevent accidents. The Chenab River and its adjoining streams are stable with no unusual rise in water levels. However, the Ravi River is experiencing low-level flooding in the Basantar Nullah, but the main river's flow remains normal. People have been strictly warned against swimming or bathing in these areas.
About 216 houses were destroyed across the province. The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects rain/wind/thundershowers at isolated places in northeastern Punjab, Potohar, Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas on Sunday.
The director general of the Punjab PDMA has advised citizens to exercise extreme caution, especially near water bodies. The death toll due to monsoon rainfall in Punjab has reached 166, and authorities are monitoring the weather and coordinating disaster response to mitigate further loss. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow any instructions from local authorities.
- The weather-forecasting by the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has predicted heavy rainfall to continue until August 21, which may increase the intensity of the ongoing floods and disrupt both urban and rural areas.
- The weather- related news about the monsoon season in Pakistan has reported a significant increase in deaths and destruction, with at least 166 people losing their lives and 216 houses being destroyed across the province.
- Many journalists and opinion writers have expressed their concerns about the impact of climate change on weather patterns in Pakistan, following the heavy losses of life and property during this monsoon season.
