A powerful cloudburst in Punjab’s Chakwal district triggered flash floods across the city on Thursday, with rescue teams scrambling to evacuate affected residents after the area recorded a staggering 400mm of rainfall in just 10 hours.
According to a statement from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the intense downpour began overnight and inundated multiple parts of the district. PDMA spokesperson Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that while the rains have subsided, several areas remain waterlogged. “Water is now receding, and evacuation operations are ongoing to rescue trapped citizens,” he said.
According to DAWN, District Commissioner Quratul Ain Malik said the district administration, in coordination with WASA, Rescue 1122, and other civil services, has been mobilised to the field to oversee the relief efforts. Emergency arrangements have also been made in hospitals and designated public buildings to support affected residents.
In anticipation of further complications, helicopters and rescue resources are on standby, while the PDMA Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centre remain on high alert. “We are in constant contact with the military for additional support, should the need arise,” said Kathia.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and steer clear of electrical hazards such as power lines and open manholes, the WASA Director General added.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a flood alert for Rawalpindi’s Gawalmandi bridge as the water level in Leh Nullah continues to rise following consistent rainfall. The alert also warned that the Kattarian bridge could be at risk if water levels exceed 15.7 feet. Authorities have urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant.
Elsewhere in Punjab, Mandi Bahauddin experienced deadly consequences of the unrelenting rain. The city recorded 210mm of rainfall on Wednesday, which led to the death of a 10-year-old boy, Shah Hussain, who drowned while bathing in rainwater. In a separate incident, two children, Qasim (8) and Huzaifa (6), were electrocuted.
Additionally, nine people were injured when the roofs of three dilapidated houses collapsed in different parts of the city. Several areas, including College Chowk, Pindi Purani, and Jail Chowk, remained submerged under two to four feet of water, causing severe disruption to daily life.
Authorities across affected districts are monitoring the situation and continuing rescue and relief operations amid the ongoing monsoon spell.