LAHORE – Heavy rainfall across Pakistan’s Punjab province has resulted in a deadly toll, claiming the lives of at least four people and injuring another 28 over the last 24 hours, according to Rescue 1122 officials. The fatalities, which include two children, underscore the immediate danger posed by the severe weather system currently impacting the region.
The severe downpour was anticipated after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued an alert last week, forecasting “heavy to very heavy wind-thunderstorms and rains” across Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from October 5 to October 7, driven by a strong westerly weather system.
Fatalities and Injuries
Rescue 1122 Spokesperson Farooq Ahmed confirmed that the deaths were predominantly caused by structural failures.
- In Faisalabad, the most tragic incident occurred when the roof of a house caved in due to the heavy rains, killing a 12-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. Seven other people were injured in the same incident.
- Similar incidents claimed the lives of a 70-year-old man in Nankana Sahib and a 65-year-old man in Kasur.
Across the province, separate roof and wall collapse incidents in areas including Samundri, Jaranwala, and Lahore contributed to the high injury count of 28.
Disaster Management and River Alert
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported significant rainfall across the province, with Multan recording the highest level at 113mm in 24 hours. Given the severe conditions, a rain emergency was declared in Multan, and citizens were advised to take precautions, including staying indoors and avoiding electricity poles.
Rainfall levels were also substantial in Faisalabad (78mm) and Lahore (40mm). The PDMA warned that the inclement weather is expected to continue for the next 24 hours across most parts of Punjab.
Crucially, the PDMA cautioned that the persistent rain could lead to a rise in river water levels. Specifically, the Chenab River is expected to see rising water by October 7, while the levels in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers will depend on the release of water from India. Authorities have been placed on high alert as the province braces for the ongoing impact of the weather system.
