While the monsoon system weakened temporarily in Punjab, its impact has been devastating across multiple districts, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 15 more lives were lost in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll from monsoon-related incidents to 193 — with 114 fatalities reported from Punjab alone.

The city of Chakwal witnessed a record-breaking 423 mm of rainfall, submerging entire villages. Raging floodwaters swept away roads and bridges, paralyzing traffic and cutting off access to remote areas. Residents in several locations found themselves trapped as the deluge left no dry ground behind.

In Renala Khurd, a roof collapse claimed the life of a woman and injured a father and his two children. In Bhawana, another individual lost his life. Meanwhile, 14 people were injured in rain-related accidents across Pattoki, Raiwind, and Minchinabad.

Tragedy also struck in Dunyapur, Ferozewala, and Hafizabad, where three individuals were electrocuted. A 10-year-old boy drowned after falling into a drainage channel. In Mandi Bahauddin, a prison wall collapsed, allowing rainwater to flood inmate barracks, while in Malakwal Railway Colony, numerous quarters’ walls caved in.

Water levels in the Ravi River continue to rise, severing ground access to three villages in Nankana Sahib. In Jhelum, rescue teams from the Pakistan Army and emergency services successfully evacuated 498 people. The body of a police officer who went missing in a flash flood was also recovered.

Rawalpindi was hit particularly hard after heavy rainfall triggered urban flooding. Four people drowned in swollen storm drains, with three bodies recovered so far. The body of a seven-year-old boy who was swept away in the Bhusa Mandi area was also retrieved. Authorities declared a “Rain Emergency” in the city, as flash floods washed away vehicles and cut off-road access to 20 villages near Adiala Road.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of a new, more powerful monsoon system entering Punjab from July 20. Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to begin in Sindh today and may continue through the week. Disaster management authorities have been placed on high alert, and citizens are urged to take precautionary measures.