Sialkot receives heaviest one-day rainfall in nearly five decades

Sialkot has witnessed its heaviest one-day rainfall in nearly five decades, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The PMD said that the city received more than 363 millimetres of rain in the past 24 hours, surpassing the previous highest recorded rainfall of 339mm on August 6, 1976.

The heavy downpour inundated several parts of the city, including Rangpura, Shahabpura, Dara Araiyan, Allama Iqbal Chowk and Prem Nagar, leaving streets submerged and disrupting normal life.

The local administration has warned residents in low-lying areas to exercise caution as drainage systems remain under pressure due to the continuous rain.

Heavy rains and the release of water from India’s upstream dams, have caused flooding in several Punjab districts, prompting authorities to call in the army for relief and rescue operations.

Also Read: Punjab braces for major flooding as rivers overflow, army called in for rescue efforts

According to the provincial government, troops have been deployed in six districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal and Okara, following urgent requests from local administrations.

Rescue teams, police, and civil defence units are already engaged in evacuation and relief work, but officials warned that rising river levels pose an escalating threat. Army Aviation and additional support units are on standby to assist if conditions worsen.

The situation is being closely monitored, with emergency shelters, medical supplies and food stocks prepared to limit damage and protect residents in vulnerable areas, officials said.