National ( The cow news digital ) Persistent monsoon rains continue to lash wide parts of Punjab, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department to issue fresh flood alerts as river levels rise.
According to PDMA reports, the second spell of monsoon rainfall is expected to persist through July 24, driving increased water flow across major river basins. Low-level flooding has been recorded in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, with water discharges reaching 317,000 and 295,000 cusecs, respectively.
Similarly, the Chenab River is experiencing low-level flooding at Marala and Qadirabad, and medium-level flooding at Khanki. Water flow at Khanki was recorded at 152,000 cusecs, while levels in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Jhelum rivers currently remain within normal parameters.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia urged residents living along riverbeds and low-lying zones to evacuate to safer areas immediately, citing risks of rising surges due to heavy precipitation in upper catchment regions. He confirmed that the provincial administration has established flood relief camps equipped with essential medical supplies and basic amenities.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 reported severe casualties resulting from rain-related structural collapses and incidents over the past 24 hours. At least eight people died and 37 sustained injuries across various districts. Gujranwala reported four fatalities due to roof collapses and electrocution incidents, while a child drowned in rainwater collected at the Kamoke underpass. Additional roof collapse casualties were reported in Pakpattan and Sahiwal, alongside urban flooding and minor landslides in Murree and Kahuta.
