Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting over the Rawalpindi rain crisis following widespread damage caused by torrential downpours across Punjab. The severe rainfall has led to flooding, power disruptions, and multiple casualties in various cities.
According to official sources, the Prime Minister summoned a detailed report from the Chief Commissioner of Rawalpindi and the Managing Director of WASA. The emergency meeting over the Rawalpindi rain crisis will assess the damage, review public safety measures, and evaluate the government’s response to the ongoing situation.
In the last 36 hours, at least 63 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Punjab. The downpour has paralyzed daily life, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
In Rawalpindi, a record 220mm of rainfall caused local drains and roads to overflow. Water reached dangerous levels in Lai Nullah, particularly at the Gawalmandi point, where it surged to 19 feet. Roads in Rawalpindi Cantonment and Murree Road were also submerged, severely disrupting traffic.
The local administration declared a public holiday in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema advised citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel due to the hazardous weather.
The rainfall also had a severe impact in Chakwal, where a powerful cloudburst caused 425mm of rain in a short period. Several villages were submerged, and the Panwal Dam was swept away by flash floods. The local administration requested help from the armed forces to handle the emergency.
Meanwhile, Jhelum faced flash floods as water from Ghan Nullah entered residential areas. Army personnel carried out relief operations and rescued 29 people who were stranded by floodwaters.
In Faisalabad and Lahore, several tragic incidents occurred, including the collapse of rooftops that claimed the lives of families. A mother and daughter died in Iqbal Colony, Faisalabad, while three people lost their lives in Lahore’s Akbari Gate area.The emergency meeting over the Rawalpindi rain crisis is expected to guide immediate relief efforts and long-term planning to manage such natural disasters. More rainfall is forecast in the coming hours, raising further concerns for residents and local authorities.
