Heavy rains kill 71 in two days in Punjab; more flooding looms

At least 71 people have died in the past 48 hours amid relentless monsoon rains across Pakistan's Punjab province, provincial authorities confirmed on Friday (July 19), reports DWAN.

The death toll since the start of the extreme weather on June 25 now stands at 123, with 462 others injured, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast further heavy rainfall beginning Sunday, July 21, prompting flood alerts along the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma. Officials warn of flash floods, landslides in hilly areas, and waterlogging in urban centers between July 21 and 25.

Multiple districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, and Chakwal, have reported severe disruptions. The PDMA stated that over 1,000 residents have been evacuated from the Pathohar region alone—398 from Jhelum, 209 from Chakwal, and 450 from Rawalpindi.

Rescue services reported seven deaths on Friday, including three in Lahore and Chiniot, two in Okara, and one each in Chakwal and Sargodha. Two bodies swept away by floodwaters were recovered in Chakwal, while another fatality occurred in a house collapse.

Widespread power outages persist. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reported damage to 99 high-tension and 48 low-tension poles, along with 65 transformers. Full restoration may take at least two more days, according to IESCO engineer Wahid Ahmed Abbasi.

Authorities have urged district administrations to implement emergency measures. The public has been advised to follow all safety alerts as the threat of further flooding and infrastructural collapse remains high.