nature’s fury
Lahore
Over 120 people have died in Punjab during the past six weeks as torrential rains and flash floods swept through rural and urban settlements, according to official figures.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the ongoing monsoon spell is expected to continue intermittently until August 27, bringing risks of riverine floods, urban flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Nationwide, more than 700 people have lost their lives and nearly 1,000 others have been injured in rain-related incidents since the start of the season, including women and children.
In Punjab alone, 54 fatalities were reported in the first half of July, with the toll rising steadily in recent days.
The floods have caused severe damage to housing infrastructure. At least 123 houses have been destroyed in Punjab, while dozens more have been partially damaged. More than 2,000 families have been displaced and are being sheltered in temporary camps and emergency facilities.
Hundreds of acres of standing crops have also been washed away, inflicting significant losses on farmers.
The PDMA reported high flood levels in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and a medium flood at Head Sulemanki. The Chenab River is also swelling rapidly, threatening low-lying districts including Gujrat, Sialkot and Narowal.
