Rain-related incidents: 46 lost lives in Punjab: PDMA

LAHORE: The (PDMA) on Saturday said 46 people have lost their lives and 288 others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents during the ongoing monsoon season in Punjab, while a low-level flood continues in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma. In a monsoon fact sheet issued on directions of Punjab Chief Minister, the PDMA said rainfall was recorded in most districts of the province during the last 24 hours. Rawalpindi Kachehri received the highest rainfall of 95mm, followed by Murree 85mm, Joharabad 56mm, Multan 37mm, Bhakkar 31mm, Narowal 27mm, Noorpur Thal 27mm, Khanewal 21mm, Chakwal 20mm, Gujranwala 12mm, Jhang 10mm and Sargodha 8mm. The authority said advance planning, timely response and the availability of machinery ensured the prompt drainage of rainwater despite heavy downpours. It added that the current spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5. Director General PDMA, Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, said rivers, dams and barrages across Punjab were under continuous monitoring on the instructions of the chief minister. He said a low-level flood was currently being witnessed in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma. According to the PDMA, Tarbela Dam is 89 percent full, Mangla Dam 57 percent, Bhakra Dam 33 percent, Thane Dam 35 percent and Pong Dam 32 percent. Jappa said the Punjab government was providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured, while compensation would also be paid to the families affected by monsoon-related incidents in accordance with the government’s policy. He urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures during the rainy season, avoid sending children near storm drains, low-lying areas, rivers and canals, and immediately contact the PDMA Control Room or the relevant district administration in case of any emergency. The PDMA said its control room was monitoring the situation across Punjab round the clock to ensure a prompt response to any emergency. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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