Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi are Worst Effected Areas
Pak Floods: 66 Dead, 290 Injured In Deadly Floods in Punjab Province Of Pakistan
Babushhai Bureau
Lahore, July 18, 2025 – A state of emergency has been declared across multiple districts of Punjab province, Pakistan, as torrential monsoon rains have unleashed devastating flash floods, claiming at least 66 lives and injuring 290 people in the past 24 hours, according to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other sources. The worst-affected areas, including Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi, are grappling with severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and ongoing rescue operations.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had issued warnings of heavy rains and thunderstorms across the province, with Chakwal recording an unprecedented 423 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, triggering a cloudburst and widespread flash floods. In Rawalpindi, rising water levels in Nullah Leh have prompted flood alerts at Gawalmandi and Kattarian bridges, with authorities urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. Jhelum district has seen dozens of villages, including Dhok Badar, Dhok Shah Arif, and Rasoolpur, submerged, with the Pakistan Army and Rescue 1122 deploying over 50 boats and helicopters to evacuate stranded residents. So far, 57 individuals have been rescued, with operations ongoing to save others trapped in floodwaters.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a rain emergency, mobilizing district administrations, police, and Rescue 1122 to protect citizens. “A rain emergency has been imposed due to the unprecedented rainfall and flood situation,” Nawaz stated on X, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and avoid unnecessary travel. The PDMA has provided de-watering sets, suction pumps, and jetting machines to Rawalpindi’s municipal authorities, while hospitals across the province are on high alert to treat the injured. The government has also promised financial compensation for families of the deceased.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) forecasts more heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in districts including Lahore, Attock, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides. In Chakwal, where two deaths, including a child, were reported due to a house collapse, over 125 homes have been damaged. The PDMA has warned residents to avoid power lines, open manholes, and structurally weak buildings, as most fatalities resulted from roof collapses and electrocution.
With the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, historically causing deadly floods and displacement in Pakistan, authorities are intensifying efforts to mitigate the crisis. Over 15,000 rescue personnel are on standby, and a local holiday has been declared in Rawalpindi to keep residents safe. As the province braces for more rain, the focus remains on rescuing stranded citizens and providing relief to those affected by this catastrophic deluge.