63 dead in Punjab as monsoon rains wreak havoc in 24 hours

At least 63 people have lost their lives and 290 sustained injuries in Punjab during the last 24 hours due to relentless monsoon downpours, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

A PDMA spokesperson revealed that so far this monsoon season, the death toll in the province has climbed to 103, with 393 people injured and 128 houses damaged.

The authority said that the latest casualties include 15 in Lahore, 9 in Faisalabad, 9 in Okara, 5 in Sahiwal, and 3 in Pakpattan.

The PDMA warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Punjab today(Thursday), raising concerns of further damage and casualties.

Read: Over 300 left stranded as floodwaters inundate parts of Jhelum

The PDMA Director General stated that a flood alert had been issued for rivers and streams across the province due to the ongoing rains.

Citizens were urged to avoid residing in old, mud-constructed homes, as most deaths have occurred due to roof collapses of dilapidated structures.

In Chakwal, where over 400 mm of rain was recorded in just 24 hours, flooding left many people stranded. A large-scale rescue operation was carried out by the military and local administration.

According to the PDMA chief, army helicopters and all available resources were deployed to evacuate people trapped in floodwaters. He assured that the operation will continue until every citizen is brought to safety.