Torrential monsoon rains and resulting floods have claimed at least 79 lives across Pakistan in the last 12 days, according to a report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday.
The report, which covers the period from June 26 to July 7, reveals a grim toll: 29 fatalities were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 24 in Punjab, 15 in Sindh, and 11 in Balochistan. In addition to the loss of lives, 140 individuals sustained injuries, including 57 children, 48 men and 35 women.
The NDMA further stated that at least 66 houses were completely destroyed while 123 others were partially damaged due to flash floods and heavy downpours that battered several regions across the country.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier warned of above-normal rainfall during this monsoon season, prompting concerns over urban flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable districts.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued its own assessment of the rainfall recorded in various cities.
According to a spokesperson, the highest rainfall was reported in Sheikhupura at 48 millimetres, followed by 40mm in Lahore, 6mm in Gujranwala, 5mm in Murree and 4mm in Faisalabad.
Rainfall was also observed in several other districts including Sialkot (2mm), Mandi Bahauddin (1mm), Attock, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalnagar, Kasur and Bahawalpur.
Director General PDMA Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, warned that the ongoing spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until July 10. He urged citizens to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, and follow official advisories issued by local authorities.
Emergency response units and rescue teams have been mobilised in vulnerable areas, while district administrations have been directed to ensure the availability of relief goods, medical supplies and drainage machinery.
Authorities have also expressed concerns about the strain on aging urban infrastructure, particularly in densely populated cities like Lahore and Karachi, where drainage systems often fail to cope with intense rainfall.
