Torrential monsoon rains have resulted in 30 fatalities across Pakistan's Punjab province in the past 24 hours, prompting the provincial government to declare a "rain emergency" in several regions, officials reported on Thursday (July 17, 2025).

 

Chakwal, a district located about 300 km from Lahore in the salt range area, has been the worst affected, receiving 423 mm of rainfall in the last day. The heavy downpour led to flash floods, triggering rescue operations involving the military and local authorities, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

 

The monsoon rains are expected to persist across Punjab on Thursday, with alerts issued for potential flooding in rivers and streams. Since the onset of the monsoon season on June 26, the national death toll from rain-related incidents has risen to 170, with the majority reported in Punjab.

 

In the last 24 hours alone, 300 people have been injured and over 125 homes damaged in areas including Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Chakwal, the PDMA said.

 

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a rain emergency in various districts, including Rawalpindi, urging residents to remain vigilant. The provincial administration stated that all departments—district authorities, police, and Rescue 1122—have been fully mobilized to respond to the worsening situation.

 

Hospitals across the province have been placed on high alert, and medical facilities, including field hospitals, have been instructed to remain prepared to provide assistance to the public.