The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert for most districts of Punjab as heavy rains are forecast over the coming days. According to a PDMA spokesperson, westerly winds have entered northern Punjab, triggering the likelihood of widespread rainfall from Thursday night until October 7, raising concerns of flooding in vulnerable streams and nullahs across the province.
Districts Expected to Receive Heavy Rainfall
The PDMA highlighted that rainfall is likely in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad. Showers are also predicted in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, and Toba Tek Singh. In addition, areas of southern Punjab, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, may also witness thunderstorms with rainfall.
Concerns Over Streams and Nullahs Overflow
Authorities have expressed particular concern regarding Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galiyat, where heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in local streams and nullahs. The PDMA has cautioned residents in these regions to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay updated with government advisories. Rising water levels in these hilly and urban zones could cause sudden flash floods, posing severe risks to lives, homes, and critical infrastructure in the affected areas.
Commissioners and DCs Put on High Alert
To manage the situation effectively, the PDMA has directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert. Various departments, including agriculture, irrigation, health, forestry, livestock, local government, and transport, have been instructed to mobilize resources. The authority emphasized proactive measures, such as clearing drainage systems, positioning rescue equipment, and ensuring medical facilities remain fully operational throughout the anticipated spell of heavy rains.
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Citizens Advised to Exercise Extreme Caution
The PDMA has urged the public to strictly follow official guidelines during the rainy spell. Citizens have been advised against unnecessary travel, particularly to low-lying or flood-prone areas. The authority stressed the importance of cooperating with local administrations and rescue teams. In case of emergencies, residents have been encouraged to promptly contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 for assistance and a timely response from rescue officials and support units.
| Region | Deaths | Children Deaths | Men Deaths | Women Deaths | Injuries | Children Injuries | Men Injuries | Women Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 304 | 110 | 143 | 51 | 661 | 200 | 258 | 203 |
| Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa | 504 | 90 | 338 | 76 | 218 | 70 | 99 | 49 |
| Sindh | 80 | 35 | 35 | 10 | 87 | 39 | 29 | 19 |
| Balochistan | 30 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 41 | 6 | 26 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Azad Jammu & Kashmir | 38 | 9 | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Islamabad Capital T. | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1006 | 275 | 568 | 163 | 1063 | 321 | 450 | 292 |
National Flood Death Toll Reaches 1,006
The recent monsoon season has already left Pakistan reeling from widespread devastation. Nationwide, at least 1,006 people have lost their lives in flood-hit regions following relentless rains and flash floods. The tragic figure includes 275 children, 568 men, and 163 women. Rescue teams continue relief operations, working tirelessly to reach affected populations and assess the full scale of destruction caused by overflowing rivers, landslides, and collapsing infrastructure.
Punjab Records Highest Casualties and Injuries
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Punjab has reported the highest number of fatalities, with 304 deaths, including 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women. The province also recorded 661 injuries, comprising 200 children, 258 men, and 203 women. This reflects the devastating impact of floods on vulnerable communities across Punjab, where dense populations and extensive agricultural lands intensify the risk of destruction during torrential rainfall.
Heavy Losses Across Other Provinces
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has recorded the highest provincial death toll, with 504 lives lost, including 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women. Sindh reported 80 fatalities, while Balochistan recorded 30 deaths, mostly children. Gilgit-Baltistan suffered 41 losses, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 38 fatalities. Islamabad Capital Territory also reported nine deaths. These figures reveal the far-reaching nature of the crisis, affecting nearly every corner of the country simultaneously.
Injuries and Rescue Operations Continue
Nationwide, 1,063 people have sustained injuries in flood-related incidents, including 321 children, 450 men, and 292 women. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recorded 218 injuries, Sindh 87, Balochistan 5, while other regions reported smaller figures. Rescue teams, armed forces, and local administrations continue working together, delivering food, shelter, and medical care. However, persistent rainfall and challenging terrain continue to slow relief efforts, making timely coordination and resource deployment vital to saving lives.
Urgent Call for Preparedness and Unity
With further heavy rainfall expected until October 7, authorities have urged citizens, civil society, and relief organizations to unite in facing the looming threat. While the PDMA coordinates emergency preparedness in Punjab, national figures underline the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding across Pakistan. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether preventive steps can mitigate further tragedies or whether communities will suffer deeper losses from the relentless monsoon rains.