Islamabad [Pakistan], July 19 (ANI): Punjab province in Pakistan remains on high alert as the death toll from relentless monsoon rains has climbed to 123 since June 25, with 71 fatalities reported in just the past 48 hours, Dawn reported Saturday, citing the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
According to Dawn, the torrential downpours have also injured at least 462 people and triggered widespread urban flooding, severely impacting residential areas. Ten people lost their lives on Friday alone, officials said.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall beginning July 20. The PDMA issued an alert cautioning of a potential high-level flood in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma within the next 24 hours, prompting emergency preparedness measures.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said during a briefing that more than 1,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit regions in the Pothohar plateau, including 398 from Jhelum, 209 from Chakwal, and 450 from Rawalpindi, Dawn reported.
According to Rescue 1122, Friday’s fatalities included three deaths each in Lahore and Chiniot, two in Okara, and one each in Chakwal and Sargodha.
In Chakwal, which has endured some of the heaviest rains in recent days, two bodies swept away in flash floods were recovered Friday, while another victim died when a roof collapsed due to falling rocks dislodged by the rain.
Power outages persist in several villages across Chakwal, with electricity yet to be restored three days after the initial flooding. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reported damage to 99 high-tension poles, 48 low-tension poles, and 65 transformers. IESCO Superintendent Engineer Waheed Ahmed Abbasi told Dawn that full restoration of electricity could take at least another 48 hours.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to visit the affected areas in Chakwal today to oversee relief and rescue operations. (ANI)
About The Author
