Heavy rain and strong winds wreaked havoc across several districts of Punjab over the past 24 hours, causing widespread damage to houses and infrastructure.
According to the Rescue 1122 spokesperson, four people lost their lives and 28 others were injured due to roof and wall collapses triggered by the storm.
Rescue officials reported that two children died and seven others were injured after a roof collapsed in Tandlianwala.
In Nankana Sahib, one person was killed and four others were injured in similar incidents in nearby villages.
Three people sustained injuries in Manawala, Sheikhupura, while another death and five injuries were reported from Kasur.
In Lahore, two individuals were injured when parts of buildings collapsed due to the storm.
Record rainfall across Punjab
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Punjab witnessed record rainfall in several districts during the last 24 hours.
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Multan: 113 mm
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Faisalabad: 78 mm
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Bahawalpur: 44 mm
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Lahore: 40 mm
Other regions such as Khanewal (28 mm), Toba Tek Singh (25 mm), Sialkot (19 mm), Jhelum (18 mm), and Attock (10 mm) also received considerable rain.
The PDMA spokesperson warned that rainfall is expected to continue in most districts over the next 24 hours, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Sialkot.
Rivers expected to swell
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that the ongoing rain is likely to increase the flow of major rivers, including the Indus and Jhelum, while water levels in the Chenab River may rise by October 7.
The PDMA added that the flow in Sutlej and Ravi will depend on water releases from Indian reservoirs, warning that adjacent tributaries could also experience an increase in water levels.
PDMA issues safety advisory
Authorities have placed all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue teams on high alert.
The DG PDMA urged citizens to stay indoors during strong winds or storms and to avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.
“Citizens are requested to take precautionary measures and remain in safe places during bad weather,” said DG Kathia.
The public has been advised to contact the PDMA helpline (1129) in case of emergencies.
