Punjab monsoon rains leave 65 dead, 382 injured

Monsoon rains in Punjab this year resulted in the deaths of 65 people and left 382 others injured, according to a Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report. The report, released as the monsoon season concluded, detailed that 224 houses were also damaged, and 21 livestock perished. Rawalpindi experienced the highest rainfall at 1,505 millimetres during the season.

In Sheikhupura district, heavy rains caused a flood-like situation, inundating 58 villages and affecting 83 revenue estates and 43,188 acres of land. The PDMA spokesperson mentioned that measures to provide compensation for crop and housing losses affected by the flooding in Sheikhupura are underway. Affected families will also receive compensation under the Punjab government’s policy.

The report highlighted that total rainfall was exceptionally high in three major cities, with Rawalpindi receiving 1,505mm, Lahore 1,316mm, and Sialkot 1,256mm. Rainfall records from the PDMA showed varying totals across other cities, including Gujranwala at 1,161mm, Jhelum at 935mm, and others. Despite the record-breaking rainfall, no major flooding occurred in Punjab's rivers.

PDMA Director General Muhammad Saif Anwer Jappa noted that timely drainage of rainwater was ensured and that proactive arrangements for drainage operations were in place. The PDMA continued to monitor rivers, dams, and barrages, maintaining a 24/7 monitoring system at their control room. The authority, working with relevant departments, remained prepared to handle emergencies and had implemented measures throughout the monsoon to respond to rain-related incidents.