Torrential monsoon rains flooded Punjab and the twin cities, killed many, and forced closure of the Islamabad-Lahore motorway. Heavy rains began earlier this week and continued, overwhelming drainage systems in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and other cities.

Monsoon rains submerged low-lying areas, leaving many neighborhoods without power, clean water, and accessible roads. According to the National Disaster Management Authority, the floods killed 63 people and injured 290. Moreover,most of the victims died when collapsing buildings crushed them, while others drowned or suffered electrocution. In Rawalpindi, water levels in Nullah Lai rose sharply, reaching 20 feet at Katarian and 19 feet at Gwalmandi.

The Islamabad-Lahore Motoroway-critical for regional connectivity sealed for several hours when floodwaters breached underpasses and submerged the roadway. Traffic ground to a halt and Authorities acted swiftly to ward off stranded motorists and reinstall safety barriers.

The Pakistan Army has mobilized troops, boats, and helicopters to assist with evacuation, food distribution, and flood relief efforts.

The residents describe the scene as harrowing. ’’The rain is nonstop…please don’t leave your houses unnecessarily,” warns one Islamabad resident.

Disaster struck Punjab on July 21st as powerful floods claimed 135 lives and left 470 injured. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as rivers swell and rescue efforts intensify.

Rescue 1122 teams and the military have been deployed in the worst-affected regions, where many residents have been forced to evacuate to higher ground.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the situation may worsen in the coming days. Weather officials have forecast heavy rainfall between July 21 and 25, with the Chenab, Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej rivers expected to rise dangerously due to continuous downpours and glacier melt.

In Islamabad, over 145 mm of rain fell within just a few hours, causing urban flooding, wall collapses, and vehicle damage. Meanwhile, flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan swept away tourists on Babusar Road, leaving three dead and 15 missing.

The national death toll from monsoon-related incidents since late June has reached 221, with Punjab bearing the brunt of the disaster. Most casualties have resulted from drowning, lightning strikes, electrocution, and collapsed structures.

Authorities have urged citizens in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain alert and follow safety guidelines. Emergency centers across Punjab have been activated, and compensation packages for affected families are under discussion.

Floodwaters swept away retired Colonel Qazi Ishaq and his daughter in DHA Islamabad as rising rains trapped their car near a drain.