Torrential monsoon rains have unleashed widespread devastation across Punjab, triggering flash floods, infrastructure collapse, and heavy loss of life and property.
The situation remains critical in multiple districts, including Jhelum, Layyah, Choa Saidan Shah, and Bahawalpur, where authorities are struggling to restore normalcy amid rising water levels and continued rainfall.
Dara Bridge collapses in Jhelum, cutting off land connection
In Jhelum, flash floods severely damaged infrastructure, with the Dara Bridge submerged and later collapsing at the confluence of two rivers. This critical structure served as the main land route between Pind Dadan Khan and Jhelum, leaving commuters stranded and cutting off road communication entirely.
According to the highway administration, restoration work is underway, but high water levels are hampering efforts. Mechanical equipment is being deployed, and a temporary setup will be installed to resume traffic soon.
Also Read: Monsoon havoc claims 178 lives across Pakistan, Punjab worst hit
Aerial footage showed the extensive destruction in the Dara area, with roads washed away and crops submerged, adding to the financial burden of the already distressed farming community.
High flood alert in Layyah as Indus River swells
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high flood alert in Layyah, as the Indus River continues to swell due to ongoing monsoon rains. The inflow at Chashma Barrage has reached 444,000 cusecs, with an outflow of 424,000 cusecs. A massive 425,000 cusec flood wave is expected to pass through Layyah tonight, raising fears of more damage.
Several villages, including Basti Manjotha, Subhewali, and Zangiza, previously flooded just days ago, are now at risk of being submerged again. Crops across hundreds of acres have already been destroyed.
The district administration has set up nine flood relief camps, while evacuation preparations are underway under the supervision of local officials.
Rawal Dam spillways to open as water level rises
In Islamabad, the water level at Rawal Dam has reached 1,748.40 feet, prompting authorities to announce the opening of spillways at 6am on Saturday to bring the level down to 1,746 feet.
Also Read: Heavy rain forecast till July 25; new monsoon spell from July 28
Flood threat grows in Bahawalpur
In Bahawalpur, the water level in the Sutlej River has risen after fresh inflows. At Head Ganda Singh, the level is reported at 13 feet, with 21,000 cusecs of inflow at Head Suleman and 19,000 cusecs at Head Islam.
While the situation is being closely monitored, Deputy Commissioner Farhan Farooq stated that there is currently no immediate threat of flooding. Rescue teams have begun awareness drives in nearby riverine areas.
Choa Saidan Shah: Jhangar Area devastated by flash floods
In Choa Saidan Shah, the Jhangar area has suffered massive destruction, with hundreds of homes destroyed and more than 50 cattle killed. Residents pleaded with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to personally visit the area, declare it a disaster zone, and initiate urgent relief operations.
Road connectivity between Jhangar and Jhelum has been wiped out, while landslides at 15 locations have further disrupted communication and relief work.
119 killed in Punjab due to monsoon spell
At a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer revealed that 119 people have died in the current monsoon spell, with the majority of deaths caused by electrocution and roof collapses. Over 360 incidents of roof collapse have been recorded across the province.
However, he noted that deaths from drowning in floodwaters were relatively low, crediting the government’s proactive measures and CM Maryam Nawaz’s policies for minimizing casualties. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy on settlements within riverbeds and urged residents to immediately evacuate such areas in the event of an emergency.
