Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed chaos across Punjab, claiming at least 30 lives and injuring dozens more in just 24 hours. The downpours have caused widespread flooding, structural collapses, and disruption of essential services, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issuing renewed alerts for more severe weather, including potential cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides.

Lahore Devastated by Roof Collapses

Lahore, the provincial capital, bore the brunt of the devastation. Twelve people lost their lives in multiple incidents of roof collapses caused by prolonged rainfall. In Raiwind’s Mission Colony, three family members, including the household head, were killed when their home gave way. In Kot Jamal Pura, another fatal roof collapse resulted in one death and three injuries.

Tragedy also struck Thokar Niaz Baig, where five members of a single family—including two young children—died when their house crumbled under the weight of rainwater. A father and daughter survived with injuries. Meanwhile, a roof collapse in Mominpura claimed three more lives.

According to rescue officials, many of the affected homes were constructed from vulnerable materials such as wood, bamboo, and clay, which failed to withstand the sustained rainfall. “These weak structures simply couldn’t bear the prolonged pressure,” a Rescue 1122 official reported.

Fatalities Reported Across Punjab

Outside Lahore, 18 additional deaths occurred in cities across Punjab. Faisalabad saw six fatalities due to collapsed roofs, while Pakpattan and Okara reported three more, including two girls in Okara. Deaths were also confirmed in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Farooqabad.

A commercial building on MA Jinnah Road in Okara also collapsed, though fortunately no injuries were reported.

Flooding and Landslides Extend to Other Regions

Rajanpur witnessed flash flooding from Koh Sulaiman, severing road access to several villages. Similar flooding was seen in parts of northeastern Balochistan. In Azad Kashmir, heavy rains pounded Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Leepa Valley, raising the specter of landslides and rising river levels.

PDMA Raises Statewide Emergency Alert

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has warned of further heavy rainfall across Punjab, with particular concern for Lahore and the upper catchment areas of major rivers. Vulnerable cities have been placed on high alert, including Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Murree, and DG Khan.

The PDMA warned of flash floods in low-lying urban zones and possible landslides in hilly areas such as Murree. Emergency response teams have been mobilized and disaster management plans activated across all districts.

Record Rainfall in Lahore

Lahore received its heaviest rainfall of the monsoon season, with Paniwala Talab logging 171mm and Iqbal Town 169mm, according to WASA. Many roads, including Canal Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gulberg, were submerged, bringing traffic to a standstill. Water also entered homes in several localities, prompting urgent drainage operations.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza personally inspected flooded areas, instructing teams to expedite relief and drainage work. “All WASA and district administration staff are on the ground,” he confirmed. Citizens were also warned to avoid contact with exposed electrical wiring to prevent electrocutions.

Air Travel Disrupted

Adverse weather led to flight delays at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, where three incoming flights were forced into holding patterns due to poor visibility.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Public Safety Urged

The PDMA has instructed all deputy commissioners to remain on emergency footing as the current rain system is expected to persist until July 17. Citizens are strongly urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and report emergencies to local authorities.

As Punjab braces for more rainfall, rescue teams continue their race against time to reach affected areas and prevent further loss of life.