Relentless monsoon rains continue to cause devastation across Pakistan, claiming at least 87 lives and leaving 149 people injured, according to a recent situation report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The heavy downpours, spanning from June 26 to July 9, have resulted in widespread destruction, primarily due to roof collapses, electrocution incidents, and urban flooding.

The NDMA report provides a grim breakdown: among the deceased are 42 children, 29 men, and 16 women. The injured include 61 children, 52 men, and 36 women, further highlighting the widespread impact on families.

Property Damage and Infrastructure Breakdown

In addition to the mounting death toll, 71 homes have been completely destroyed, while 171 others sustained partial damage. Floodwaters have also compromised nearly 7 kilometers of roads and damaged three key bridges. The agricultural sector has not been spared either, with 106 livestock deaths reported.

Punjab: The Hardest Hit

Punjab province continues to bear the brunt of the monsoon onslaught. Within the last 24 hours alone, five deaths and 29 injuries have been reported from various rain-related incidents. Fatal roof collapses were recorded in Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Taxila, while flooding in Attock and Dera Ghazi Khan left multiple areas submerged. A 10-year-old child tragically died due to electrocution during the rainstorm.

Lahore experienced its heaviest rainfall of the season, with Nishtar Town receiving 162 mm. Waterlogged streets stranded vehicles, while LESCO reported outages from 142 power feeders, disrupting daily life. Other cities including Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhelum, Hafizabad, Narowal, Okara, and Jaranwala also saw intense rainfall that overwhelmed local infrastructure.

Rains Extend to Sindh and Balochistan

Monsoon systems have also battered Sindh and Balochistan. In Sindh, downpours impacted Dadu, Sehwan, Jacobabad, Shahdadkot, and Garhi Khair, while in Balochistan, heavy rain and winds disrupted power supply in Musakhel and caused flooding in Sibi and Kohlu.

Fresh Alerts and Emergency Response

With forecasts predicting continued heavy rains, the NDMA has issued new advisories warning of potential riverine flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas. Urban flooding remains a major concern for metropolitan regions.

In response, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has activated emergency protocols. WASA, Rescue 1122, and district administrations have been placed on high alert. PDMA Director General Imran Qureshi emphasized the need for timely drainage efforts and urged residents to avoid unstable or mud-structured homes.

Government Response in Lahore

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari stated that all underpasses in Lahore have been cleared, and drainage work is ongoing in low-lying neighborhoods. Despite efforts to manage the situation, residents across multiple provinces remain vulnerable as more rain is forecasted in the coming days.