Unrelenting monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction across Pakistan, with at least 178 confirmed fatalities so far. The province of Punjab has been the worst hit, recording 119 deaths, mostly due to electrocution and roof collapses, according to official figures released by emergency authorities.
The ongoing monsoon spell has triggered flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapses, severely disrupting life and causing major agricultural losses.
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Jhelum Cut Off After Dara Bridge Collapse
In Jhelum, floodwaters swept away the Dara Bridge, which served as the main road link between Pind Dadan Khan and Jhelum. The collapse occurred after rising rivers submerged the structure, cutting off land communication completely. Restoration efforts are being hampered by high water levels, with the highway department deploying heavy machinery for a temporary solution.
Layyah on High Alert as Indus River Swells
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared a high flood alert in Layyah. The Indus River is swelling rapidly, with inflows at Chashma Barrage reaching 444,000 cusecs. A massive 425,000 cusec wave is expected tonight, endangering already affected villages like Basti Manjotha, Subhewali, and Zangiza. Crops on hundreds of acres are destroyed, and nine relief camps have been established for mass evacuation.
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Rawal Dam Spillways Opened
In Islamabad, the Rawal Dam reached critical levels, prompting authorities to open spillways at 6 a.m. Saturday to bring water levels down from 1,748.40 feet to 1,746 feet. This step is part of a broader flood mitigation plan.
Bahawalpur Faces Flood Risk
Rising waters in the Sutlej River have raised concerns in Bahawalpur. The inflow at Head Suleman is at 21,000 cusecs, while Head Islam reports 19,000 cusecs. Though officials claim there is no immediate flood threat, awareness campaigns are ongoing in vulnerable riverine communities.
Flash Floods Wipe Out Choa Saidan Shah’s Jhangar Area
In Choa Saidan Shah, the Jhangar area has been devastated by flash floods. Over hundreds of homes are destroyed, and more than 50 cattle have died. Locals have urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to visit personally, declare the region a disaster zone, and expedite relief operations. Landslides at 15 locations have crippled rescue efforts, further isolating the region.
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119 Dead in Punjab Alone
At a press conference, Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer confirmed 119 deaths during the current spell of rainfall. He noted that over 360 roof collapse incidents have been recorded and credited Maryam Nawaz’s policies and pre-emptive government action for preventing greater loss, especially from drowning-related deaths.
Dr. Naseer emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for settlements within riverbeds and urged residents to evacuate immediately if ordered.
