Lahore, July 29, 2025: The fifth spell of monsoon rains in Punjab is underway and expected to continue until July 31, prompting emergency measures and alerts across the province, according to officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Widespread heavy rainfall is forecast in multiple districts of northern, central, and southern Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sialkot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.
The PDMA has warned of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas, citing risks of drainage overload. “The monsoon system may cause flooding in Punjab’s rivers and streams,” said PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, adding that water levels in the Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, and Jhelum rivers could rise significantly during this period.
The Indus River is already experiencing medium-level flooding at Taunsa Barrage, where the water flow has reached 410,000 cusecs, while low-level floods are being reported at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.
In response, the Chief Minister of Punjab has placed all district administrations on high alert. Deputy commissioners have been ordered to remain in the field and enforce Section 144, restricting public movement near rivers, canals, and drains. Police have been directed to increase patrolling near water bodies to ensure public safety.
All relevant agencies, including WASA, Rescue 1122, and municipal administrations, have been instructed to:
- Ensure immediate drainage in waterlogged areas;
- Deploy emergency staff and machinery at flood-prone chokepoints;
- Keep pumping stations and backup generators fully operational.
Private housing societies have been warned to address water accumulation or face legal action. “They are solely responsible for managing drainage within their premises,” a government spokesperson said.
The PDMA has also released a monsoon fact sheet, listing rainfall statistics, river and reservoir levels, and overall flood risk assessments. Light rain was recorded in Sialkot in the past 24 hours, with more widespread rainfall predicted in the days ahead.
While no casualties have been reported in the current rain spell, the ongoing 2025 monsoon season has already claimed 152 lives across Punjab, underscoring the urgency of preparedness and public caution.
Residents are urged to stay updated through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas.
