LAHORE, Pakistan: The provincial government of Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province declared a rain emergency and imposed Section 144 on Thursday after record-breaking monsoon rains triggered flash floods and claimed at least 63 lives in the last 24 hours.
Authorities also banned swimming and boating in rivers, canals, dams, and lakes across the province to prevent further casualties.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, all forms of swimming, bathing, and unauthorised boating in rivers, canals, dams, lakes, and rainwater pools have been prohibited until 30 August.
The restrictions have been enforced under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and will remain in effect for 45 days.
مون سون بارشوں، تغیانی اور موجودہ موسمی صورتحال کے پیش نظر پنجاب بھر میں دفعہ 144 نافذ؛ محکمہ داخلہ نے نوٹیفیکیشن جاری کر دیا۔ پنجاب بھر میں ڈیموں، دریاؤں، نہروں، تالابوں اور جھیلوں میں ہر قسم کی تیراکی اور کشتی رانی پر پابندی عائد۔ گلیوں، سڑکوں، کھلی جگہوں یا عوامی مقامات پر… pic.twitter.com/BOLOaX6e8D
— Home Department Punjab (@homedptpunjab) July 17, 2025
The emergency measures come as heavy downpours inundated large swathes of the province.
In a statement on X, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “Due to the stormy rains and flood situation, a rain emergency has been declared across the province. Institutions are working tirelessly, and citizens must follow safety guidelines to protect lives and property.”
غیر معمولی طوفانی بارشوں اور سیلابی صورتحال پر پنجاب کے مختلف علاقوں میں رین ایمرجنسی نافذ کر دی گئی ہے۔ سرکاری ادارے جذبے اور انتہائی محنت سے کام کر رہے ہیں۔ انتظامیہ کو عوام کو بزریعہ سائرن اور اعلانات آگاہ رکھنے کی ہدایت کر دی گئی ہے۔ عوام اداروں سے تعاون کریں، حفاظتی ہدایات…
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 17, 2025
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that 63 people were killed and 290 injured in various incidents across Punjab over the past 24 hours.
The fatalities included 15 in Lahore, nine in Faisalabad, nine in Okara, five in Sahiwal, and three in Pakpattan.
Most of the deaths were caused by collapsing roofs of old and dilapidated buildings, the PDMA noted.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that the injured are receiving medical treatment and that families of the deceased will receive compensation in line with government policy.
He urged residents, particularly those living in structurally weak homes, to take immediate precautions and avoid unnecessary movement during the ongoing monsoon spell.
The PDMA also reported that since the start of the monsoon season, 103 people have died and 393 have been injured across Punjab.
Additionally, 128 houses have been damaged, and six livestock animals have been lost to the floods.
Emergency aerial support was provided in Jhelum after flash floods stranded 40 people in Deras at Mouza Dhok Biddar and Nakkan Kalan. With boat rescue impossible due to heavy rain, the Pakistan Army safely evacuated all individuals.#PDMA #PakArmy #Jhelum #flashfloodwarning pic.twitter.com/5AbUFS0QkM
— PDMA Punjab Official (@PdmapunjabO) July 17, 2025
In Rawalpindi, the city administration issued high flood alerts after torrential rain caused water levels in Nullah Leh to surge to dangerous levels.
According to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials, the water level at Gawalmandi Bridge rose to 15 feet, just shy of the 20-foot evacuation threshold.
At the Katarian Bridge, water levels reached 16 feet. Emergency sirens were sounded, and all departments were placed on high alert.
Meanwhile, in Chakwal district, a record 423mm of rainfall was recorded, resulting in the collapse of a house roof that killed two people, including a child.
Rescue 1122 officials said the city experienced urban flooding, submerging homes and roads. Flood emergencies have also been declared in Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, and Choa Saidan Shah.
In response to rising floodwaters, the Pakistan Army launched helicopter rescue operations in several affected areas.
One such operation was conducted near Chakri Road in Rawalpindi, where a family stranded on a rooftop in Ladian village was successfully airlifted to safety.
Pakistan Army is engaged in rescue and relief operations in various areas affected by flooding caused by recent heavy rains@OfficialDGISPR @pmdgov @ndmapk #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/2O5S0qXinS pic.twitter.com/JtUTckqamK
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 17, 2025
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have warned that heavy rains are likely to continue across parts of Punjab and the federal capital over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Heavy Monsoon rains trigger significant surge in reservoir water levels pic.twitter.com/Spfmy7KVXu
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 17, 2025
An NDMA spokesperson stated that intermittent downpours are expected in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Chakwal, Attock, and Jhelum, among others.
The NDMA has advised residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and steer clear of rivers, canals, and stormwater drains.
“Urban flooding, landslides, and river overflow are possible in vulnerable areas,” the authority said.
