Heavy Rains Cause Fatalities and Damage Across Punjab, Alerts Issued for Northern Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: At least four people lost their lives and 19 others were injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab province in the past 24 hours, according to a statement from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) released on Thursday. The ongoing monsoon rains have triggered building collapses and drowning incidents in various districts.
Authorities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have issued fresh warnings as rainfall is expected to continue through July 1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also released a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for northern regions, citing increased risk due to ongoing high temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Casualties and Property Damage Reported
According to the PDMA, two fatalities occurred due to the collapse of structurally weak buildings in Okara and Bahawalnagar, while two more individuals drowned in Jhelum. In addition, 13 houses were reported damaged—primarily in rural and vulnerable areas—underscoring the need for improved infrastructure resilience.
The agency urged residents to take precautionary measures and confirmed that financial assistance would be provided to the affected families in line with government policy.
Northern Regions on Alert
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PDMA issued a separate alert forecasting torrential rains and hailstorms in several districts, including Chitral, Swat, Upper and Lower Dir, and Kohistan, from Thursday evening through July 1. Local administrations have been advised to prepare for possible glacial lake outbursts and flash floods, and to inform nearby communities promptly.
Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability
Pakistan remains one of the countries most at risk from the impacts of climate change, experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The country’s northern regions, home to thousands of glaciers, are particularly vulnerable to glacial melt and related disasters.
In 2022, unprecedented floods caused by intense monsoon activity resulted in over 1,700 deaths and damages exceeding $30 billion.
The NDMA has warned that elevated temperatures and active monsoon systems are placing stress on glacial lakes, especially in Chitral and Ghizer valleys. Residents have been advised to avoid travel near glaciers and riverbanks until the weather stabilizes.
Safety First
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to follow official guidelines, stay informed through weather updates, and report any emergencies to local disaster response units.
