Over 50 people killed as torrential rains wreak havoc in Punjab

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During the last 24 hours, at least 54 people have lost their lives, which has reached 178 monsoon casualties since the end of June, when rains brought disaster in several cities.

In Rawalpindi, after several hours of continuous rainfall, water flowed and the vehicles flowed. The lower parts were submerged, while the water level in Allah Lai had increased alarmingly.

As a precaution, the authorities issued an evacuation warning for Katarin and Gwalmandi.

The Rawalpindi administration also announced a public holiday to keep people at home on Thursday, the national department has warned that heavy rains will continue till Friday.

Islamabad was not even given. There was a flood in the basement of several houses, and land sliding was reported around Bari Imam Mazar.

Emergency, 450 mm of rain

In many districts of Punjab, an emergency of rainfall has been imposed, including Rawalpindi, Chakwal and Islamabad. The Meteorological Department has predicted more rainfall until late at night.

In Chakwal, 450 mm of rainfall led to the implementation of the flood emergency. A small dam collapsed in Dhirabi, causing flood waters to be sent to nearby settlements. Dozens of rural communities have been disconnected as roads and bridges were damaged or washed. The historic Katas Raj Temple Complex was also flooded.

In Jhelum, cloud bursts caused massive floods, which sank several roads and at least seven people, including six policemen, were swept away. Six was rescued while one is missing.

So far, 70 people have been rescued from the flood -hit areas of Punjab, including a family trapped near Chakra Road in Rawalpindi, which was delivered by Army helicopters.

In Sialkot, the head of the Chenab was issued in the Chenab River due to rising water, which reached 72,568 cusecs. Although the river and river flow remains as usual, the District Emergency Control Room has been activated and the helpline is running 1718 24 hours.

Section 144 imposed

In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has announced Section 144, which has banned swimming in rivers, ponds and dams till August 30. The NDMA has advised residents of weaker areas to store food, water and essential medicines for 3 to 5 days.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the National Emergency Operation Center, where he was briefed on the situation. Officials told him that 30 to 40 % more rainfall was recorded.

The Prime Minister expressed his grief over the loss of lives and said that the losses were less due to premature measures this year. He said the provinces were actively handling the situation and added that cloud bursts have created extraordinary conditions.

Electrocuses, buildings are falling

Of the 54 deaths reported in the last day, 46 died in the collapse of the building, five drowned, and three were hit by electricity. The deceased included 20 men, 12 women and 22 children.

Another 227 people were injured – including 89 men, 84 women and 54 children – a total number of injuries was brought from the end of June to 491.

The monsoon season brings South Asia 70 % to 80 % of its annual rainfall, and runs in India and Pakistan from June to September.

Annual rainfall is very important for the protection of agriculture and food, and the livelihood of millions of farmers, but also destruction.

South Asia is hot and has seen changing weather patterns in recent years, but scientists are unclear how a hot planet is affecting a very complex monsoon.

Pakistan is one of the weakest countries in the world for the effects of climate change, and its 255 million residents are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

In 2022, the Monsoon flood drowned one -third of the country and killed 1,700 people.