Nine dead, 40 injured as rains wreak havoc in Punjab

Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Punjab, killing eight people and injuring 38 others in various weather-related incidents over the past 24 hours, reported 24NewsHD TV on Tuesday.

According to the Meteorological Department, more heavy rainfall is expected across the province till Thursday, raising fears of landslides in hilly regions and urban flooding in low-lying areas.

--Fatal incidents--

In Rawalpindi, a passenger bus overturned near Chakri Interchange due to slippery conditions, killing four passengers and injuring 22.

In Okara, lightning strikes claimed the lives of two individuals. A madrassa roof collapsed in Minchinabad, resulting in two student fatalities and 12 injuries. In Depalpur, the collapse of a hut injured four people.

In the tragic consequences of the ongoing monsoon rains, the roof of a dilapidated house collapsed in Chak 85/DB, a suburban village near Pakpattan, leaving a 4-year-old boy dead and two others seriously injured.

According to rescue officials, the victim was identified as Moin, aged 4, who died on the spot. His father, Yaseen, and 6-year-old sister Noreen were severely injured. Rescue teams provided immediate first aid and shifted the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital.

Meanwhile, in village 1-1RA near Renala Khurd, a school roof collapsed due to heavy rainfall. Fortunately, the school was closed at the time, preventing potential casualties. Residents urged the authorities to inspect and repair ageing school buildings to prevent future incidents.

--Relentless rain across Punjab--

Heavy rainfall pounded Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, and Gujranwala, causing a sharp drop in temperatures and flooding in low-lying areas.

In Kasur, Pattoki, and Gujranwala, entire neighbourhoods went underwater.

In Nankana Sahib, Allahabad, Shahkot, and Chunian, continuous downpours resulted in power outages due to the tripping of several feeders.

Streets in Chunian resembled rivers after four consecutive days of torrential rain.

Sangla Hill saw intermittent rain affecting the electricity supply.

--Floods threaten river and mountain areas--

The monsoon system has triggered flood-like situations in rivers and seasonal streams.

At Taunsa, the Indus River's water level rose further, and medium-level flooding was recorded at Guddu Barrage, where water increased by 20,211 cusecs in 24 hours.

Floodwaters entered more villages near Kashmore as the Indus River overflowed.

The Suleiman mountain range received torrential rainfall, swelling seasonal hill torrents (Rod Kohis).

A high flood wave was reported in Dera Ghazi Khan, cutting off Sakhi Sarwar and tribal regions from surrounding areas.

Tarbela and Mangla Dams also saw a rise in water levels.

--Weather advisory--

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted continued rainfall until Thursday, with a warning of potential landslides in mountainous terrain.

Authorities remain on high alert as water levels are expected to rise further at Guddu Barrage, possibly submerging more villages in the Kashmore region.

-- PDMA on High Alert--

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert across Punjab, warning of further heavy rainfall in multiple districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan.

According to the PDMA spokesperson, intense rain and thunderstorms are expected in areas such as Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Narowal, Chakwal, Jehlum, and Sialkot.

There is a high risk of flash flooding in low-lying streams and water channels, and landslides are feared in Murree’s hilly terrain. Tourists and travellers have been advised to exercise extreme caution during the forecast period.

--More rains in Karachi--

According to the Meteorological Department, the sun and clouds continue to mix in Karachi, and there may be drizzle today. Karachi may receive thundershowers until July 20.

Reporters: Rimsha Ismail, Zubair Ahmed Kalwar, Muhiuddin and Rana Amjad Farooq