Rawalpindi/Lahore, July 17, 2025: Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed destruction across Punjab and other parts of the country, killing at least 54 people in the past 24 hours, with the death toll from the ongoing monsoon season since late June now nearing 180, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Islamabad and Rawalpindi were lashed by over 240mm of rain within 18 hours, submerging roads, crippling urban infrastructure, and prompting authorities to declare emergencies. Nullah Leh surged to dangerous levels—22 feet at Katarian and 23 feet at Gowalmandi Bridge—forcing the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to place evacuation sirens on alert.
WASA Rawalpindi Managing Director Saleem Ashraf said a rain emergency has been imposed, with teams and heavy machinery actively draining water from low-lying neighborhoods. “Nullah Leh and other city drains are being continuously monitored,” he said.
In anticipation of further downpours, the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade has been placed on standby, and Rescue 1122 remains on high alert. Citizens have been urged to relocate from dilapidated buildings and flood-prone areas. The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner has announced a one-day public holiday, urging residents to stay indoors.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared a province-wide emergency, describing the rains as “unprecedented” and urging citizens to cooperate with the administration. “Government institutions are working with full vigor,” she posted on X.
Cloudburst devastates Chakwal
Elsewhere in Punjab, a cloudburst in Chakwal brought an extraordinary 449mm of rain, inundating homes and sweeping through streets. “This is the result of a cloudburst,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner Bilal Bin Hafeez. Rescue operations are underway to move residents to safer ground.
Jhelum faced river and canal flooding, prompting the deployment of army troops and helicopters for rescue operations. Sheikhupura received 217mm of rain, while several smaller dams across Chakwal have overflowed, worsening the crisis. Water even flooded parts of the historic Katas Raj temple near Choa Saidanshah.
Province-wide damage and casualties
According to Punjab’s Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan, approximately 310 house roofs have collapsed across the province since June 16, along with 15 rain-related traffic accidents. In total, 90 deaths have been reported since the monsoon began.
Rescue 1122 reports at least 43 fatalities across Punjab in just the past day, including:
- 16 in Lahore
- 9 in Faisalabad
- 5 in Sheikhupura
- 4 each in Okara and Pakpatan
- 2 in Chakwal
- 1 each in Mandi Bahauddin, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal
A total of 130 incidents of roof and wall collapse have been reported across the province.
Emergency teams have rescued 641 individuals and 176 animals since yesterday. In Jhelum alone, 50 rescuers with six boats have saved 57 people from floodwaters. Relief and evacuation operations are also ongoing in Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, D.G. Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Balochistan also hard-hit
Torrential rains have also caused devastation in Balochistan, where 16 people have died and six have been injured. According to PDMA Balochistan Director General Jahanzeb Khan Ghorezai, 11 houses were completely destroyed and 47 partially damaged. Monsoon activity in the province is expected to continue into early September.
NDMA warns of worsening conditions
The NDMA warns that more flooding is likely in urban centers and rural districts as rivers and canals risk overflowing. It has advised residents, particularly those near Nullah Leh, to stay vigilant and prepare for immediate evacuation in case of sirens. People have also been urged to avoid crossing rivers, bridges, or flooded roads during high flow.
“Over the next 12 hours, heavy rains with wind and thunderstorms are expected in Lahore, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Hafizabad,” an NDMA advisory said.
Intermittent heavy showers are likely to persist in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for the next 24 to 48 hours.
PM to review flood response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit the NDMA headquarters to receive a detailed briefing on the evolving rain and flood situation. Relief operations by both civil and military institutions are being intensified nationwide.
