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PDMA issues high alert as heavy monsoon rains claim lives, trigger flooding across country

ByJustpaste.in

Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a 24-hour high alert as torrential monsoon rains continue to batter large parts of Pakistan, resulting in loss of life, widespread flooding and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

In Punjab, at least eight people were killed and 37 others injured after roofs and walls collapsed during heavy rainfall. Four fatalities were reported in Gujranwala, while a child drowned in an underpass in Kamalia after being swept away by accumulated rainwater. Three more people lost their lives in separate roof collapse incidents in Pakpattan and Sahiwal.
Torrential rains inundated streets, residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas in Sialkot, while low-lying areas of Faisalabad were submerged, major roads were flooded and traffic was severely disrupted. A woman and a young girl were also injured after the roof of a house collapsed in Faisalabad.
Heavy showers were also reported in Wazirabad, Kamalia, Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Bhera, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah and Dera Ismail Khan, leaving roads and streets submerged.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of flash floods in hill torrents and seasonal streams, while urban flooding remains a significant concern in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara and Sahiwal over the next 48 hours.
According to official rainfall data, Gujranwala received 142 millimetres of rain, followed by Mandi Bahauddin with 133 millimetres, Narowal with 95 millimetres, Sialkot with 85 millimetres and Hafizabad with 70 millimetres.
In Lahore, two people were killed and two others, including a woman and a young child, sustained injuries when the roof of a house collapsed in (Kot Babu Khan) Raiwind. The roof, reportedly constructed with wooden beams, gave way during the heavy downpour.
Rainfall was also recorded across several areas of Lahore, including Lahore High Court, Kalma Chowk, Mall Road, Ring Road, Model Town, Hamdard Chowk, Gulshan Ravi and Samanabad, where the highest rainfall of 4.2 millimetres was recorded.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at least 14 people have lost their lives and 19 others have been injured in rain-related incidents. The victims include six children and two women. According to the PDMA, six houses were completely destroyed, while 22 others sustained partial damage.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider briefed him on preparedness measures and the risks associated with the ongoing monsoon season.
Authorities also reported low-level flooding in the Jhelum, Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers, although water levels remain within their channels.
PMD official Dr. Irfan Virk said the weather advisory issued for July 18-25 had already warned of widespread monsoon activity. He said heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next two days, particularly in Mansehra, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Chitral, Battagram, Kohistan, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Kurram, Kohat, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan.
Officials said the current weather system is expected to persist over central Pakistan for another two days before gradually weakening. Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas and follow official safety advisories due to the continued risk of flooding, structural collapses and other rain-related hazards.

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