Islamabad, July 18
At least 63 more people have died in the last 24 hours in Pakistan's Punjab province, marking the deadliest day of the current monsoon season in the province to date, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) detailed on Friday.
A rain emergency was declared in Punjab on Thursday, while army troops joined rescue operations following flooding in low-lying areas, as torrential monsoon rains ravaged the province. Rawalpindi city experienced a heavy downpour, triggering a flash flood in Nullah Leh, which claimed two lives.
The Rawalpindi administration announced a public holiday to ensure people remain indoors, as the meteorological department forecast continued heavy rainfall until Friday. According to officials, rescue operations have been initiated across the district.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reported that Rawalpindi was hit by more than 250 mm of rainfall. The areas that received maximum rainfall in the city include Chaklala with 239 mm, followed by Gawalmandi with 235 mm, New Katarian with 220 mm, and Pir Wadhai with 200 mm.
Several areas were inundated, including Pir Wadhai, Tench Bhata, Ariya Mohalla, Dhok Syedan, Qureshiabad, Garja Road, Dhamial, Chakri, Adiala Road, Nadeem Colony, and Javed Colony, local media reported. Residents said that water entered the houses in these localities, damaging household items, furniture, and vehicles.