Relentless monsoon rains have caused widespread destruction across Punjab, claiming at least 43 lives in the past 24 hours. Islamabad and Rawalpindi were particularly hard-hit, with over 240 millimetres of rain recorded in just 18 hours, leading to severe urban flooding.
راولپنڈی
چہان ڈیم ٹوٹ گیا pic.twitter.com/H2qClrwYY9— Ahmed Bhatti (@Rayahmadbhatti) July 17, 2025
According to a spokesperson from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the agency’s managing director contacted the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade for assistance, as a precautionary measure in response to the emergency. With the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting continued rainfall, evacuation orders were issued, and sirens were sounded in areas near Nullah Leh as water levels surged by 22 feet.
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WASA has declared a rain emergency, deploying teams and heavy machinery to low-lying areas of Rawalpindi to aid with drainage and reduce water accumulation. Managing Director Saleem Ashraf confirmed that water levels had risen to 22 feet at Katarian and 23 feet at the Gowalmandi Bridge. Monitoring of Nullah Leh and other drains across the city is ongoing.
بحریہ ٹاؤن فیز 8 پنڈی
قدرت سے پنگا لیں گے تو یہی ہو گا۔ پانی کی قدرتی گذرگاہوں سے چھیڑ چھاڑ تباہی لائے گی pic.twitter.com/lQms4Y5wt0
— Ahmad Warraich (@ahmadwaraichh) July 17, 2025
Rescue 1122 remains on high alert. The district administration has urged residents to move to safer locations and evacuate from structurally unsafe buildings.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a statement on X, announced a state of emergency in several parts of the province due to the “unprecedented” rains and flooding. She emphasized that government institutions are operating with full commitment and directed the administration to keep citizens updated via sirens and public announcements. She also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and follow safety advisories.
Pakistan receives precious rain, yet most of it goes to waste.
No dams, no storage, just floods & lost potential. If had built more dams, we’d have strong water reserves.
Decades of misgovernance by PML-N & PPP ignored long-term solutions, leaving us vulnerable and unprepared.
— Faizan (@faizannriaz) July 17, 2025
As rainfall subsided in Rawalpindi, the water level in Nullah Leh began to recede.
Cloudburst in Chakwal
Outside the twin cities, heavy downpours continued across Punjab. A cloudburst in Chakwal brought a staggering 449mm of rain, flooding low-lying areas and submerging homes. The district administration launched rescue operations to move residents to safer ground.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Bilal Bin Hafeez attributed the situation to the cloudburst, stating that civil authorities were actively involved in rescue efforts.
Katas Raj Temple in Chakwal. Local administration trying to save this historic Temple from flood. pic.twitter.com/IQQdHeqMfQ
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) July 17, 2025
In Jhelum, overnight rainfall caused rivers and canals to overflow, prompting the district administration to request army and helicopter support to assist those trapped by floodwaters. Rescue operations have been hampered by high water levels.
Sheikhupura also experienced intense rainfall, with 217mm recorded, leading to waterlogging in several areas.
🚨راولپنڈی بحریہ ٹاؤن فیز 08 سے گزرنے والے شدید بارشوں کے ریلے کے مناظر۔ اسلام آباد اور راولپنڈی کے مختلف علاقوں میں گزشتہ رات 150-250 ملی میٹر بارش ریکارڈ کی جاچکی ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/uE47xVawvc
— PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) July 17, 2025
Emergency Services Strained
Secretary Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan noted that Chakwal received more than 400mm of rainfall, posing immense challenges for local authorities. He added that several small dams in the area had overflowed, exacerbating the flood situation. Water also entered the historic Katas Raj temple near Choa Saidanshah in the Potohar region.
“Climate change is a serious global issue,” Dr. Rizwan said during an appearance on Geo News’ Geo Pakistan. He reported that since the start of the monsoon season, approximately 310 houses have lost their roofs in Punjab, and 15 rain-related traffic accidents have occurred.
Since June 16, around 90 rain-related deaths have been recorded in Punjab, according to rescue department statistics.
Given the worsening situation, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner declared a one-day public holiday, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.