LAHORE – July 29, 2025:
Punjab is bracing for another round of heavy monsoon rains, as the fifth spell of the season is expected to pick up pace and continue through July 31. With forecasts pointing to intense rainfall across a wide stretch of the province, district administrations have been placed on high alert.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of widespread downpours across northern, central, and southern parts of Punjab. Districts likely to be impacted include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that the incoming weather system could lead to urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas where drainage infrastructure may be overwhelmed. He also cautioned about rising water levels in major rivers such as the Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, and Jhelum, which could pose additional flood risks.
“The system may cause both urban flooding and riverine flooding,” Kathia noted. “We’re particularly monitoring the situation in vulnerable areas.”
The Indus River is already experiencing medium-level flooding at Taunsa Barrage, where the water flow has surged to 410,000 cusecs. Low-level flooding is also being reported at key points along Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.
In response, Punjab Chief Minister has instructed all district authorities to stay fully alert and proactive. Deputy commissioners have been told to remain present in the field, while Section 144 has been imposed to restrict unnecessary public movement near rivers, canals, and drains. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to step up patrolling in flood-prone zones to ensure public safety.
Municipal agencies, WASA, and Rescue 1122 have been placed on standby, with orders to mobilize emergency equipment and ensure continuous drainage operations. Pumping stations, dewatering machinery, and power generators are being checked and positioned at key urban chokepoints.
Private housing societies have also been put on notice, with the government warning them to eliminate water accumulation or face legal consequences. “These societies must take full responsibility for their internal drainage systems,” the chief minister said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the PDMA has issued an updated monsoon fact sheet, outlining rainfall measurements, reservoir levels, and the broader flood outlook. Light showers were recorded in Sialkot over the past 24 hours, and more rainfall is expected across most districts in the coming days.
Although no new casualties have been reported from the latest rain activity, the monsoon season has already taken a heavy toll. As of now, 152 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents across Punjab since the season began.
Authorities have urged the public to stay informed through official weather advisories and avoid taking unnecessary risks during the ongoing rain spell.
