Lahore / Okara / Faisalabad:
The torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Punjab on Wednesday, killing at least 44 people and wounding hundreds of others, with widespread structural damage reported in several districts, in particular because of the roofs and the collapsed electrocution.
The devastation should continue on Thursday when officials warned that the relentless monsoon system would persist until at least July 17 (today). 16 other people were killed in rainy incidents in Baloutchistan.
Structural collapses and electrocution were cited as main causes, most of the victims recorded in Lahore, Okara, Faisalabad and the surrounding districts.
In Lahore, the torrential showers measured at 170 mm led to several deadly incidents. Sixteen people were killed and six others seriously injured while three roofs collapsed throughout the city.
In the village of Muridwal near Thokar Niaz Baig, five members of the same family lost their lives, including 60-year-old manga, his wife Ishrat (55), their daughters Khadija (3) and Latifa (4) and his daughter-in-law Rani (35). The injured included Faisal, 30 and his five -year -old daughter.
In the colony of the mission of Raiwind Road, three people have perished – Nasreen (70), Meerab (8) and Bashir (80), while another individual, Fareed (21), was rescued and hospitalized.
Near Kot Jamal, a collapse of the roof won the lifespan of Bashir, 35, while Nadeem, 32, Sonia, 29 and suede, 8, was injured.
Similarly, in Okara, at least seven people, including five children, were killed due to collapsed structures, electrocution and a drowning incident.
Two girls, 10 -year -old Mahoror and Iqra, 8, died after falling into a dark well due to accumulated rainwater. Several others were injured in incidents reported at 25 / 2R, Sabzi Mandi, Haveli Lakha and Marola Sharif.
In Faisalabad, at least seven people died while 36 injured in 23 separate incidents with the collapse of the roof. A 45 -year -old woman, Nasreen and her 14 -year -old son, Adeel were buried under rubble.
In the city of Rachna, a couple – Shahmand (50) and his wife Riaz Bibi (40) – were killed. A two -year -old Child, Ali Mohin, died in Chak 392 GB and several others were hospitalized with minor injuries to critical injuries.
Flooded
According to the provincial Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Monsoon’s precipitation was recorded in most districts, including 217 mm in Sheikhupura, 170 mm in Okara, 130 mm in Chichawatni, 90 mm in Hafizabad and 85 mm in Kasur. Other cities such as Faisalabad (60 mm), Mandi Bahauddin (32 mm) and Jhelum (29 mm) also reported significant rain.
Other showers are expected in the divisions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, DG Khan and Bahawalpur, the current forecasts of the Mousson cycle continue until July 17.
Citizens were advised to avoid staying in dilapidated or structured houses by mud, which explained most of the fatal collapses. The PDMA reiterated the calls for precaution, in particular by keeping children away from electric poles, wiring and areas full of water.
Twin cities have spared major damage
On the other hand, light to moderate precipitation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have provided temporary relief without major floods.
According to Wasa Rawalpindi, emergency protocols remained in place with heavy machines deployed in low areas.
Fortunately, water levels remained manageable without any reported urban flood. The precipitation recorded in Rawalpindi varied from 9 mm to 23 mm in different localities.
The chief minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has instructed the service of the best possible medical care to the wounded and announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased under provincial policy.
The authorities urged citizens to remain informed via official alerts and to cooperate with administrative staff in the event of emergency evacuations. The Punjab government has promised its full support to protect lives and livestock while rains continue to search the province.
More rains are expected throughout the weekend, Wasa and PDMA, both retaining a high alert in the province.
The rivers swell
The PDMA warned of sudden potential floods in the hill torrents in the Dera Ghazi Khan division between July 16 and 17.
The threats of urban flooding are also looming on the major cities of Punjab, the authorities providing for a moderate stream in high in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in several key places, including Mangla, Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad.
A low level flood is expected in Tarbela (Industrie River) and Marala (Chenab River), the situation in the upper watersheds which worsen during the following 24 to 36 hours due to heavy upstream rain.
The province’s assistant commissioners and assistant commissioners were placed on alert.
The aid commissioner Nabil Javed led the presence on the field of administrative agents and the emergency activation of the response teams to disasters, fuel reserves and evacuation protocols.
Citizens living in river beds have been invited to evacuate with their cattle, and the flood rescue camps are equipped with essential supplies.
