Death toll in Punjab floods climbs to 63 as rescue efforts intensify

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The death toll from the devastating rains across Punjab has increased to 63, which has led to an increase in the country in the last 190s, claiming more lives between heavy floods and rainfall incidents and the property has been widely damaged, as many districts have increased relief operations.

Emergency response teams are working hard to provide relief and to evacuate dozens of trapped through flood waters.

In Mandi Bahadine, a family was dramatically rescued from a sharp flash flood, while other residents were shifted to a safe ground. District Jail Mandi sank Bahadin, which forced all the prisoners to transfer to Hafizabad jail.

In Jhelum, about 500 people trapped by growing waters were successfully shifted to safety. In Sargodha, more than 40 villages were evacuated near the banks of the river when the water level reached a dangerous level.

Meanwhile, moderate and lower floods have been reported in Jinnah and Chashma Baris in Mianwali, the administration has urged citizens to stay clean from the river.

Lack of quick help

In Rawalpindi, three of the four persons were swept away by a flood channel, they were found dead, while searching for the missing child continued. After 250 mm of rainfall, residents suffered huge property damage in the lower areas, which was flowing from violent streams.

Many affected citizens expressed regret over the lack of immediate help, saying they had to break the windows and save their children themselves. One victim said, “We saved our children, but the water took everything else.”

In Chakwal, a father and son were killed in a house fall during the storm, while a woman was seriously injured. Heavy rains destroyed several walls and roofs, causing further damage to the property.

Who is responsible?

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said during a briefing at the PDMA headquarters that the killings were the result of natural catastrophe, not government shortages. He instructed the authorities to ensure 100 % drainage in Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal by the end of the day, which includes the lower parts and in the inner city areas.

The CM also emphasized the need for a more effective warning system and directed the immediate preparations for the next expected rainfall magic. He confirmed the government’s commitment to react and protect the weak communities.

In the Miani area of Sargodha, the growing river flow forced communities to evacuate the river along with their livestock, as the floods flooded houses, streets and bazaars.

In Hafaabad, the rain days sank dozens of villages, sank railway tracks and caused the graves to collapse in local cemeteries. The rainwater also entered the houses in the Christian railway colony of Malakwal, where the drainage could not run.

‘Hero’ police constable

Meanwhile, in a tragic incident in Jhelum, police constable Haider Ali was martyred during a rescue operation. The rope that was holding her slipped, and she was swept away by the present.

His body was later recovered and was laid to rest at a funeral in the police lines, attended by Army officers, CM advisers, and senior administrative officials.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute, calling Constable Haider Ali a national hero who showed extraordinary bravery.

Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani also honored the fallen officer and announced that his family would get financial support under the Shuhada package.

More rains have been predicted

According to the Met Office, monsoon stripes are currently entering the upper parts of Sindh and the country and is likely to intensify in the upper and central parts from July 20. On July 21, the upper parts of a fresh Westerly wave are likely to approach.

The PMD has said that with heavy rains, local streams and Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Bonner, Charsadda, North, Susobi, Mardin, Mardan, Galia, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad From July 21 to 25, Punjab, and Kashmir.

During the same period, heavy rains can also cause urban floods in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Noshra, and Peshawar.

From July 21 to 25, land sliding and road closures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiat, Kashmir, and the weaker mountainous areas of Gilgit -Baltistan can lead to road closures.

During the prediction period, heavy rains, wind storms and electricity can damage weak structures like rough homes, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panel roofs and walls.

The public, passengers and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to the weaker areas, be vigilant, and stay the latest on the latest weather conditions to prevent any unpleasant situation.