Punjab declares emergency as monsoon floods kill 33, injure over 170
In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared a "rain emergency" across the province, including in Rawalpindi, where sirens were sounded and emergency measures activated.
غیر معمولی طوفانی بارشوں اور سیلابی صورتحال پر پنجاب کے مختلف علاقوں میں رین ایمرجنسی نافذ کر دی گئی ہے۔ سرکاری ادارے جذبے اور انتہائی محنت سے کام کر رہے ہیں۔ انتظامیہ کو عوام کو بزریعہ سائرن اور اعلانات آگاہ رکھنے کی ہدایت کر دی گئی ہے۔ عوام اداروں سے تعاون کریں، حفاظتی ہدایات… — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 17, 2025
The provincial government has mobilised all relevant departments, including district administrations, police, and Rescue 1122, to respond to the crisis.
Boats, ambulances, helicopters, and specialised rescue vehicles have been deployed to reach flood-affected areas where road access is impossible.
The worst-affected cities include Lahore (13 deaths), Faisalabad (8), Pakpattan (4), and Sheikhupura (3).
Single fatalities were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal. Most victims were caught in building collapses, flash floods, and rain-related accidents.
This is coming from different parts of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The rain is nonstop and it has been two to three days with this. Please don't leave your house unnecessarily and offices are advised to allow work from home these days. Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/d5ynxwyN96 — SyedaSabaBatool (@TheSabaShahh) July 17, 2025
Rescue 1122 continues to operate in extreme conditions, with multiple roads submerged and communication lines disrupted. Field hospitals and medical response teams remain on high alert.
The Punjab government has ordered public hospitals to remain on standby and set up 24/7 control rooms to manage flood response.
Traffic police have been instructed to arrange alternate routes, and the general public is advised to stay away from canals, rivers, and low-lying areas and avoid venturing out unless necessary.
Lahore alone received 136 mm of rain within three hours, breaking a decades-old record. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed over 400 pumps to clear water from roads.
Lahore records 136mm rain in 3hrs, breaking decades-old record! @MaryamNSharif orders immediate action: WASA deploys 400+ pumps, Rescue 1122 clears roads. Punjab Govt sets up 24/7 control rooms to tackle urban flooding. Stay safe, Lahoris! #LahoreRain #PunjabResponse#SkyNani pic.twitter.com/T1rtgu9awL — Husnain (@Hus_Zulfiqar) July 10, 2025
Emergency response teams, including Rescue 1122, are clearing debris and restoring access in major cities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported alarming rain totals, with Islamabad receiving 193 mm, Rawalpindi 179 mm, and Mandi Bahauddin 167 mm.
Chakwal and Jhelum also saw intense rainfall, with 142 mm and 81 mm, respectively.
🛑 چکوال میں کئی گھنٹوں سے مسلسل طوفانی ⚡⚡ بارشوں کے باعث سیلاب آگیا☔ ⛈️ سڑکیں دریا کا منظر پیش کرنے لگیں، کئی کئی فٹ پانی.. pic.twitter.com/GM3H39ORqI — PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) July 16, 2025
Further intermittent rain is forecast over the next 12–20 hours, with some reduction in intensity expected.
However, thunderstorms and strong winds are still likely in Islamabad, Pothohar, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan and central and southern Punjab.
CM Punjab has urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow safety guidelines, and avoid risky areas to prevent further loss of life.
She also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow announcements and evacuation orders, and take every precaution to protect lives.
As the rainstorms continue, emergency response teams remain on high alert, working around the clock to mitigate the effects of the devastating floods.
Emergency services remain on high alert as rescue and relief efforts continue around the clock.
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