Monsoon Rains Claim 30 Lives in Punjab; Rain Emergency Declared

Lahore, Jul 17 (PTI) - Torrential monsoon rains have resulted in 30 fatalities in Pakistan's Punjab province over the last 24 hours, leading the provincial government to declare a "rain emergency" in various regions, officials reported on Thursday. The worst-hit area, Chakwal, which is located in the province’s salt range about 300 kilometers from Lahore, received 423 mm of rain over the last day, causing floods in the region, authorities stated. A rescue operation is currently in progress in Chakwal to evacuate residents affected by flash floods, with support from the military and local administration, according to a statement from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Monsoon rainfall is anticipated to persist across the province on Thursday, and authorities have issued alerts warning of potential flooding in Punjab's rivers and streams. With the recent 30 deaths, the toll from rain-related incidents since the start of monsoon rains on June 26 has reached 170 across Pakistan, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Punjab. The PDMA noted that aside from the 30 fatalities, 300 individuals were injured in rain-related incidents in Punjab over the past day, with most of the deaths reported in Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Chakwal. Moreover, over 125 houses have suffered damage in these affected areas, the report added. Meanwhile, Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has implemented a "rain emergency" in various parts of the province, including Rawalpindi, urging residents to remain cautious. A Punjab government statement explained that all pertinent departments, including district administration, police, and Rescue 1122, have been fully activated throughout the province to safeguard citizens from the deteriorating flood situation. Hospitals have been put on high alert, with instructions for field hospitals and other medical facilities to be fully prepared to aid residents.