Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Punjab, killing eight people and injuring 38 others in various weather-related incidents over the past 24 hours. According to the Meteorological Department, more heavy rainfall is expected across the province till Thursday, raising fears of landslides in hilly regions and urban flooding in low-lying areas.

In Rawalpindi, a passenger bus overturned near Chakri Interchange due to slippery conditions, killing four passengers and injuring . 22 In Okara, lightning strikes claimed the lives of two individuals. A madrassa roof collapsed in Minchinabad, resulting in two student fatalities and 12 injuries. In Depalpur, the collapse of a hut injured four people. Heavy rainfall pounded Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, and Gujranwala, causing a sharp drop in temperatures and flooding in low-lying areas.

In Kasur, Pattoki, and Gujranwala, entire neighbourhoods went underwater. In Nankana Sahib, Allahabad, Shahkot, and Chunian, continuous downpours resulted in power outages due to the tripping of several feeders. Streets in Chunian resembled rivers after four consecutive days of torrential rain. Sangla Hill saw intermittent rain affecting the electricity supply. The monsoon system has triggered flood-like situations in rivers and seasonal streams.

At Taunsa, the Indus River's water level rose further, and medium-level flooding was recorded at Guddu Barrage, where water increased by 20,211 cusecs in 24 hours. Floodwaters entered more villages near Kashmore as the Indus River overflowed. The Suleiman mountain range received torrential rainfall, swelling seasonal hill torrents (Rod Kohis). A high flood wave was reported in Dera Ghazi Khan, cutting off Sakhi Sarwar and tribal regions from surrounding areas.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)