Islamabad, July 19 — At least 123 people have lost their lives and more than 462 have been injured across Pakistan’s Punjab province since late June, as relentless monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding and destruction, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
In the past 48 hours alone, 10 more fatalities were reported, with officials confirming that over half of the deaths resulted from rain-related incidents, including building collapses, electrocutions, and drownings.
The PDMA has issued fresh warnings ahead of a new monsoon spell expected to strike between July 20 and 25. Authorities have cautioned that heavy downpours, gusty winds, dust storms, and flash floods could hit various parts of the country, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Emergency services continue to work around the clock in several flood-hit districts of Punjab, searching for bodies buried under rubble and rescuing citizens trapped by rising waters. The Express Tribune reported that the fourth wave of monsoon rains is forecast to hit with full force, as local administrations scramble to implement flood preparedness measures.
Districts on high alert for the upcoming rainfall include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala. Heavy rain is also expected in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali. South Punjab districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar, are also forecast to receive significant rainfall through July 23.
In urban centers like Rawalpindi and Islamabad, infrastructure has buckled under the torrential rains. Major wholesale markets such as Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Sabzi Mandi, Bohar Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar have suffered extensive damage, with goods worth millions lost to floodwaters.
Over 100 shops in Moti Bazaar were submerged, destroying merchandise including expensive garments, artificial jewelry, and cosmetics. In another blow to the local economy, numerous wholesale medical supply stores were inundated, rendering vital stocks useless.
Adding to the frustration and despair of residents, local media reported a lack of government response. According to The Express Tribune, no senior officials or elected representatives have visited the disaster-stricken areas. Flood relief camps, hastily set up across the province, reportedly lack basic necessities, including food and medical aid. Many residents, skeptical of the conditions in these camps, have opted to remain in their damaged homes.
With more rain on the horizon, the humanitarian crisis in Punjab continues to deepen, raising urgent questions about disaster preparedness and government accountability in the face of climate-related disasters.
