🇵🇰 Monsoon Havoc in Punjab: 63 Dead in a Day as Floods Paralyze Life

Lahore, July 18, 2025 Torrential monsoon rains continued to batter Punjab on Thursday, leaving at least 63 people dead in a single day, as flooding and building collapses plunged several districts into crisis. The rising death toll has brought the total number of rain-related casualties this month to over 180, according to provincial disaster management authorities. Rescue operations are ongoing across major cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan, where emergency services are struggling to reach affected communities amid blocked roads and rising water levels. In Rawalpindi, local authorities declared a public holiday today as a precautionary measure. Residents near Nullah Lai have been urged to evacuate as water levels approach critical danger points. Boats and helicopters have been deployed to assist in the evacuation process, while the military has been called in to support relief efforts. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that more heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days. Flash flood alerts have been issued for vulnerable regions, especially in Chakwal, Jhelum, and low-lying areas of southern Punjab. According to officials, many of the casualties were caused by electrocution, roof collapses, and landslides. Hospitals across affected areas have reported being overwhelmed with the injured, as power outages and waterlogging hamper rescue work. This year’s monsoon has been far more intense than expected. Climate experts attribute the worsening situation to accelerated glacial melt and poor urban drainage infrastructure, compounded by climate change. They warn that the current scenario could mirror the catastrophic floods 2022, which displaced millions and caused billions in damages. Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, chaired an emergency meeting Thursday evening and directed all commissioners to remain highly alert. She promised swift compensation for victims' families and stressed the need for rapid drainage and housing relief in submerged localities. Social media is flooded with images of submerged streets, overturned vehicles, and citizens wading through waist-deep water. Calls for better urban planning and flood preparedness are once again dominating the national conversation. Quick Facts 🧍‍♂️ Deaths in last 24 hours: 63 🏘️ Total deaths in July so far: 180+ 🌧️ Areas affected: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Chakwal, Jhelum 🚨 Alerts: Flash flood warnings and evacuation advisories 🛟 Relief: Army, Rescue 1122, and NDMA deployed