24 Dead, 62 Injured as Torrential Rains Devastate Central Punjab
Lahore – July 16, 2025:
Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across central Punjab on Tuesday night, leaving at least 24 dead and 62 injured in multiple districts as roofs collapsed, lightning struck, and urban flooding paralyzed life in many cities.
The most severely affected areas included Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Malka Hans, Jaranwala, and Nankana Sahib, where dozens of tragic incidents unfolded due to relentless overnight downpours.
Lahore: 171mm Rain, Multiple Tragedies
Lahore recorded a staggering 171 mm of rain, causing several deadly roof collapses. In Raiwind, five people lost their lives in two incidents, while in Mission Colony, three others, including a 70-year-old woman and an 8-year-old child, perished. In Shafiqabad, a mother and daughter died, while another girl was injured. Several other incidents across the city left more injured and displaced.
District-wise Casualties & Damage
Faisalabad: 6 killed, 36 injured in 23 roof collapse incidents. Major urban flooding affected low-lying neighborhoods.
Pakpattan: 2 children and a woman died, 17 injured across 11 incidents of structural collapse.
Okara: Three fatalities reported, including a child. Lightning and roof collapses struck Naeemabad and surrounding areas.
Malka Hans: One woman died and three were critically injured as a house collapsed under the weight of rain.
Jaranwala: Three sisters were injured after the roof of their home caved in.
Nankana Sahib: One man injured due to a veranda roof collapse in Jaslani Mor village.
Muridke: Multiple injuries reported in rain-related incidents, including a serious traffic accident caused by slippery roads.
Widespread Rainfall Across Punjab
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rainfall totals in 24 hours included:
Sheikhupura: 217 mm (highest)
Lahore & Okara: 170 mm each
Chichawatni: 130 mm
In Lahore, areas like Iqbal Town (169 mm), Tajpura (167 mm), and Upper Mall (162 mm) faced severe flooding. WASA teams are on high alert as further rain is forecasted.
Monsoon Continues Across Pakistan
Heavy rains were also reported in Hyderabad, Badin, Sujawal, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In Islamabad, thunderstorm alerts remain in effect, with humidity above 85% and maximum temperatures reaching 28°C.
In Karachi, light showers are expected tonight, with heavier rain likely between July 18 and 20, alongside high humidity and temperatures around 30°C.
Flood Threat Escalates
Rising water levels in major rivers due to rain and glacier melt are raising alarms. Low to medium-level floods have been recorded at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, and Guddu Barrage, where inflows have surged past 382,000 cusecs.
In Kashmore, floodwaters continue to rise, prompting evacuations. Meanwhile, a 20-foot breach in Bambli Minor Canal near Khanpur Mahar (Ghotki) has yet to be addressed by the irrigation department, forcing residents to take matters into their own hands.
Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable structures and low-lying areas to relocate temporarily and remain alert as monsoon activity is forecasted to continue until July 17.
