Death toll climbs to 87 as monsoon rains continue across Pakistan

At least 87 people have lost their lives and 149 others have been injured across Pakistan as torrential monsoon rains and floods continue to wreak havoc, according to a report released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The report, covering the period from June 26 to July 9, highlights the scale of the human tragedy caused by heavy rains and flooding in urban and rural areas alike. Among the dead are 42 children, 29 men, and 16 women. The injured include 61 children, 52 men, and 36 women.

In addition to the loss of life, widespread destruction of property and infrastructure has been reported. As many as 71 houses have been completely destroyed, while 171 have sustained partial damage. Floodwaters have also affected nearly 7 kilometers of roads and damaged at least three bridges. Moreover, 106 livestock deaths have been reported from various parts of the country.

Punjab bears the brunt of rain-related incidents

In the last 24 hours alone, five people were reported dead and 29 injured in separate incidents across Punjab. These include fatal roof collapses in Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Taxila, and urban flooding in Attock and Dera Ghazi Khan. A 10-year-old child was also electrocuted during the rains.

Lahore, in particular, recorded the heaviest monsoon spell of the season so far, with rainfall exceeding 160 mm in some areas, including 162 mm in Nishtar Town. Water accumulated in low-lying areas of the city, and dozens of vehicles were left stranded as LESCO reported outages from 142 electricity feeders.

Other cities in Punjab—such as Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhelum, Hafizabad, Narowal, Okara, and Jaranwala—also experienced severe waterlogging and infrastructure strain due to cloudbursts and thunderous rains.

Sindh and Balochistan hit by heavy downpours

In Sindh, heavy rains lashed Dadu, Sehwan, Jacobabad, Shahdadkot, and Garhi Khair. In Balochistan, torrential rains coupled with strong winds disrupted the power grid in Musakhel, while flooding inundated areas of Sibi and Kohlu.

Emergency measures in place

The NDMA has issued a fresh alert in light of forecasts for continued heavy rainfall over the next two days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of the possibility of riverine flooding and landslides in mountainous regions. Urban flooding alerts have also been issued for major cities.

In response, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed WASA, Rescue 1122, and local administrations to remain on high alert. DG PDMA Imran Qureshi emphasized the need for prompt drainage operations and urged citizens to avoid staying in mud houses and unsafe buildings.

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari said that all underpasses in Lahore have been cleared and drainage work is ongoing in low-lying areas.