Torrential monsoon rains have devastated parts of Pakistan, especially in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), leaving at least 37 people dead in the last 48 hours. The widespread downpours have caused urban flooding, roof collapses, electrocutions, and lightning-related incidents, with more rain forecast in the coming days.
In Punjab, 30 people lost their lives, including multiple children, as parts of Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, Okara, and Sahiwal experienced catastrophic flooding and structural damage. Lahore alone saw 10 deaths from electrocution and collapsing rooftops. In Muridwal (Thokar Niaz Beg) and Raiwind, fatal roof collapses trapped families under rubble.
Tragedy struck in Harbanspura, where 15-year-old Awais and 13-year-old Esha died after being electrocuted during the storm. Meanwhile in Bahawalnagar, a madrasa roof collapse killed two children, while another child was killed by a falling electric pole. Lightning strikes in Okara also took lives.
In KP, at least seven deaths have been confirmed due to rain-related incidents across several districts, as rescue teams continue searching damaged areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued further warnings, predicting heavy rain until July 17 as part of the ongoing third monsoon spell. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has urged citizens to remain cautious, especially in low-lying and landslide-prone areas like Murree and Mansehra.
Lahore’s Paniwala Talab recorded 171mm of rain — the highest in the city — followed by Iqbal Town (169mm), with most central neighborhoods logging over 100mm.
Social media posts reflect growing public frustration over inadequate infrastructure, lack of drainage, and poor disaster preparedness. Since late June, Pakistan’s nationwide monsoon death toll has crossed 100, sparking urgent calls for better climate resilience planning and emergency response coordination.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 16th, 2025
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