6 dead, several injured as monsoon rains batter Punjab

LAHORE: A child and five women were killed and six others injured due to heavy monsoon rains in various districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours, media reported on Wednesday (July 31).

A report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report said that six people, including a child and five women, were killed while six others injured due to heavy rains in the province.

The report also revealed that 39 people died and 113 were injured due to the rains in the month of July while 61 houses were damaged and 39 animals were killed in the rainy season.

PDMA Punjab has announced that monsoon rains across Punjab are expected to persist till July 31. According to a spokesperson for PDMA, the province will experience rains accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in areas including Lahore, Narowal, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.

Despite the heavy rainfall, water levels in key rivers — Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej — remain at normal levels. Similarly, the water level in Mangla Dam is reported to be at 58%, while Tarbela Dam is at 70%, indicating no immediate threat of flooding.

In light of these weather conditions, PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed all agencies concerned to stay alert and prepared for any potential issues arising from the ongoing monsoon rains.

He said there was loss of life and property due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings and financial assistance will be ensured to the bereaved families.

He requested the citizens to stay away from old and dilapidated buildings and avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather conditions.

He said moderate to high flood conditions may occur at Mangala in Jhelum river from July 30 to August 4 and the flood situation may also occur at Marala, Khanki and Kadirabad in the Chenab.

He said there is a possibility of low to medium level flooding in the Indus at Tarbela and in the hills. He said the spell of monsoon rains is likely to continue till Aug 4.