RAWALPINDI: In the past 36 hours, relentless monsoon rains have claimed at least 63 lives across Punjab, causing severe disruption in several cities. In Lahore’s Akbari Gate area, three people lost their lives after a roof collapse, while a similar tragedy killed a mother and daughter in Faisalabad’s Iqbal Colony.
In Chiniot, downed electric poles and wires blocked railway tracks, halting train services. Rawalpindi witnessed record-breaking rainfall of 220mm, while a devastating cloudburst in Chakwal dropped 425mm of rain, triggering flash floods that submerged numerous villages and roads. Local authorities issued emergency alerts as Rawalpindi's Lai Nullah surged to 19 feet at Gawalmandi, flooding areas like Murree Road and Rawalpindi Cantonment.
The Met Office has predicted more rain in the coming hours. In Chakwal, flash floods swept away the Panwal Dam and cut off several villages from urban centers. Areas including Talagang, Kallar Kahar, and Choa Saidan Shah remain severely affected.
Meanwhile, in Jhelum, the Ghan Nullah overflowed into residential zones. Army rescue teams successfully evacuated 29 stranded residents as part of ongoing relief efforts. Authorities have sought military assistance to manage the widespread emergency.
