Monsoon Rains Claim 60+ Lives Across Punjab and Balochistan: Roof Collapses and Electrocution Lead to Tragedy
LAHORE – July 17, 2025: Severe monsoon rains swept across Punjab and Balochistan on Wednesday, leading to the tragic loss of at least 60 lives, injuries to hundreds, and widespread structural damage. Authorities have warned that the rainfall will likely continue through Thursday, with flood alerts in several regions.
🏠 Roof Collapses & Electrocution: Major Causes of Casualties
Punjab bore the brunt of the damage, with Lahore, Okara, and Faisalabad among the worst-hit districts. Most fatalities were caused by collapsed rooftops, electrocution, and accidental drowning in waterlogged areas.
🔴 Key Casualty Figures:
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Lahore: 16 dead, 6 injured — including five members of a single family in Muridwal village.
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Okara: 7 dead, including 5 children — due to building collapses, electrocution, and drowning.
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Faisalabad: 7 dead, 36 injured — in 23 separate roof collapse incidents.
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Balochistan: 16 more fatalities reported due to rain-related accidents.
Among the victims in Lahore were children as young as 3 and 4 years old, and elderly citizens, emphasizing the severity of the damage to vulnerable households.
🌧️ Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Okara Among Wettest Regions
According to Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), several cities recorded high rainfall:
| City | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Sheikhupura | 217 mm |
| Okara | 170 mm |
| Chichawatni | 130 mm |
| Lahore | 170 mm |
| Kasur | 85 mm |
| Faisalabad | 60 mm |
Citizens are being urged to avoid staying in damaged or mud-built homes and to keep children away from electric poles, wires, and flooded areas.
🏙️ Urban Flooding & River Alerts Issued
The PDMA has issued alerts for potential urban flooding in major Punjab cities, including Multan, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, and others. There is also concern over rising river levels:
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Low-level floods expected at Tarbela (Indus River) and Marala (Chenab River)
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Moderate-to-high flow anticipated in Jhelum and Chenab rivers at Mangla, Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad
Officials have advised citizens in riverbed areas to evacuate with their livestock, with relief camps being established for affected communities.
✅ Government Response & Safety Measures
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed hospitals to provide the best medical care for the injured and confirmed financial compensation for families of the deceased.
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed ordered immediate field deployments, fuel provisioning, and activation of emergency protocols. Deputy commissioners and rescue teams are on high alert, with evacuation procedures already in place in some areas.
🟢 Twin Cities Largely Spared
Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced light to moderate rainfall and were spared the worst of the damage. According to WASA Rawalpindi, emergency teams were active, and no urban flooding was reported.
Rainfall across the two cities ranged from 9mm to 23mm, with low-lying areas being closely monitored.
📢 Stay Safe: Official Advisory for Citizens
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Avoid old or structurally weak buildings
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Keep children away from standing water and electrical infrastructure
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Follow alerts from PDMA, WASA, and local authorities
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Be prepared for possible evacuation if you live near rivers or flood-prone areas
