Uncontrollable rainfall causes chaos in Punjab, resulting in urban flooding in its twin cities.
**Heavy Monsoon Rains Cause Flooding and Disaster Across Pakistan**
Pakistan is currently grappling with its most severe monsoon flooding since 2022, resulting in at least 178 deaths nationwide since late June, including dozens of children [1][2][3]. The torrential rains have inundated towns, destroyed homes, and displaced thousands, particularly in Punjab province, where the death toll stands at 103 and over 610 houses have been damaged [2].
The worst-hit districts in Punjab include Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Lahore, with Chakwal receiving 400mm of rain in just 10 hours [2][3]. Expressways have been closed, and urban centers like Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad are at risk of further urban flooding [2].
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces are also facing significant flooding, with 38, 20, and 16 reported deaths, respectively [2]. Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and parts of Balochistan and Sindh are also forecasted to experience further heavy rainfall in the coming days [1][3].
The floods have been triggered by over 124% more rainfall than the same period last year in parts of Punjab [2]. As a result, at least 130 incidents of roof and wall collapses have been reported across the country [2]. The water level at Nullah Leh rose by 22 feet, and its water level is being continuously monitored [5].
Rescue efforts have been extensive, with emergency operations deploying military helicopters to rescue families stranded on rooftops, as seen in Rawalpindi and Jhelum [1][3]. In Jhelum, flash floods prompted rapid evacuations by boat, with 57 people rescued [1][3]. At least seven relief camps have been set up to provide food, shelter, and medicine to displaced families [1].
The Pakistan Army has commenced relief operations in various flood-affected areas [8]. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be visiting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) office to be briefed on the rains and flood situation and the damage caused so far [9].
In an effort to mitigate the impact of the flooding, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner announced a one-day holiday in the district due to the ongoing rain-related incidents [4]. Rescue 1122 has been put on high alert, advising people to move to safe places before urban flooding and to evacuate dilapidated buildings [6].
The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) imposed a rain emergency and deployed teams and heavy machinery in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi [7]. In Chakwal, a cloudburst caused as much as 449mm of rain, inundating several low-lying areas and entering houses [6].
The ongoing monsoon crisis underscores the urgent need for both immediate humanitarian response and long-term climate adaptation strategies. Residents of the nearby and low-lying areas of Nullah Leh should be prepared to evacuate immediately in case of a warning siren and cooperate with the relevant agencies.
- The Army has embarked on relief operations in flooded regions across Pakistan.
- In addition to Pakistan, the countries worldwide are monitoring the severe monsoon flooding in Balochistan province.
- Despite the nationwide disaster, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to discuss the flooding and damage.
- An emphasis on environmental science and understanding climate-change is necessary to prevent such disasters in the future and ensure national health.
- The US government could play a part in aiding Pakistan's long-term infrastructure development to strengthen defenses against extreme weather conditions like monsoons.
- Integrating disaster-response strategies into Pakistan's science, technology, and urban-planning policies would help build more resilient cities in the face of climate change and extreme weather events like the current flooding.
