Heavy monsoon rains hit Punjab on July 17, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 43 people within the last 24 hours and causing urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted additional downpours, prompting evacuation orders near Nullah Leh, where water levels have risen to 22 feet. Low-lying areas have flooded, disrupting daily life and power supplies. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and heavy machinery to clear the drainage.
Rains submerged roads and homes, causing chaos in the twin cities. WASA declared a rain emergency and requested the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade for support in the event of an escalation. Teams continuously monitor Nullah Leh and the drains. MD Saleem Ashraf reported water levels at 22 feet in Katarian and 23 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge. Sirens alerted residents as PMD issued evacuation warnings.
نالہ لئی کے اطراف میں انخلا کی وارننگ جاری pic.twitter.com/wmPupJ0X8Z
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 17, 2025Rescue 1122 operates on high alert. Officials advise people to move to safe spots and avoid dilapidated buildings before floods worsen. Power outages hit several areas, with restoration pending calmer weather.
Read: Lahore Heavy Rain Disruptions: Punjab Braces for More Downpours Till July 17
Chakwal experienced a cloudburst, receiving 423mm of rain, which flooded low-lying areas and homes. The district administration launched rescue operations to relocate citizens. The additional deputy commissioner blamed the cloudburst for the crisis.
PMD Met HQ Islamabad
Very Important Update
Evacuation has been issued for Lai Nullah Basin.
Stakeholders are requested to evacuate the people to safe places.
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 17, 2025Intermittent rains also affected Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Mian Channu, Sargodha, Sialkot, and Gujrat. Faisalabad and Arifwala saw widespread power cuts.
Rainfall Data Across Pakistan
WASA recorded significant precipitation:
- Saidpur: 53mm
- Golra: 77mm
- Bokra: 95mm
- Shamsabad: 67mm
- Kachehri: 105mm
- Pirwadhai and Gawalmandi: 90mm
- Katarian: 80mm
These figures highlight the storm’s intensity, with more expected till July 17.
WASA is deploying teams and machinery to low-lying areas for drainage. Rescue 1122 is advising caution regarding electrical hazards. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has alerted deputy commissioners across the province. Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed all departments to remain on high alert, with control rooms monitoring the situation 24 hours a day.
Date: 17-07-2025
Time: 09:00 A.M.
Current Status- Alert @ Gawalmandi & Alert @ Kattarian
Evacuation at Kattarian will be @ 20 ft
Evacuation at Gawalmandi will be @ 20 ft
Daily Weather Forecast Link https://t.co/6GLNbRzqyn
FFWS Real time Report Link https://t.co/BxFvjl2SyA pic.twitter.com/P5ueEQPnEz
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 17, 2025Citizens should avoid standing in water, near wires, and near unstable structures. For emergencies, contact the PDMA helpline at 1129. Punjab’s monsoon rains necessitate urgent safety measures, as fatalities increase and flooding persists. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of ongoing risks until July 17.
