Widespread monsoon rains continued to lash Lahore and several districts across Punjab over the past two days, bringing relief from intense heat but triggering deadly incidents, flash floods and widespread disruption, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 17 people have been killed and 107 others injured in rain-related incidents over the past 24 hours, with most fatalities caused by collapsing roofs and walls, lightning strikes and electrocution.

Gujranwala was the worst-hit district, where five people lost their lives, and seven others were injured in separate incidents of roof collapse.

In Kamoke, four people were injured when the roof of a house caved in.

Rivers swell

Heavy rainfall has also significantly increased water levels in rivers and streams in Punjab.

The PDMA said low-level flooding has been recorded in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, while the Chenab River is experiencing low-level flooding at Marala and Qadirabad.

A moderate flood level has been recorded at Khanki on the Chenab.

The Ravi, Sutlej and Jhelum rivers remain within their normal flow levels, although authorities warned that continued rainfall in upper catchment areas could further increase water inflows.

Gujranwala records highest rainfall

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Gujranwala received the highest rainfall over the past 24 hours, recording 279 millimetres.

Other major rainfall totals included: Mandi Bahauddin (138mm), Narowal (117mm), Sialkot (95mm), Hafizabad (85mm), Chakwal (70mm), Okara (64mm), Gujrat (49mm), Lahore (43mm), Jhang ( 35mm).

The Met Office has forecast that the current spell of monsoon rains will continue until July 24, with further heavy showers expected across most districts.

Flood monitoring cell set up

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority has established a Rain and Flood Monitoring Cell to monitor rainfall and potential urban flooding across the province.

The authority said flood monitoring teams have been placed on 24-hour alert, while rainfall is being monitored in real time through 43 Smart Safe City Centres.

Safe City cameras and artificial intelligence technology are also being used to identify low-lying areas, traffic bottlenecks and flood-prone locations.

According to the authority’s spokesperson, the monitoring cell is providing real-time alerts and updates to district administrations, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments while continuously monitoring drainage operations and traffic conditions.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, remain in safe locations and contact the 15 emergency helpline in case of emergencies.

Authorities on high alert

Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin directed WASA Punjab and all relevant agencies to remain on high alert throughout the monsoon spell.

He instructed senior officials to remain in the field to supervise drainage operations and ensure uninterrupted removal of rainwater from urban areas.

Additional machinery and emergency response teams have been deployed in low-lying areas, underpasses and other vulnerable locations, while disposal stations and dewatering pumps have been ordered to remain fully operational.

Dam level

The Punjab government said it is continuously monitoring rivers, dams and barrages across the province.

According to the PDMA, Tarbela Dam is currently 57% full, while Mangla Dam stands at 38% capacity.

Officials said financial assistance would be provided to families affected by rain-related incidents in accordance with the provincial government’s compensation policy.

Authorities also urged parents to keep children away from rivers, canals and rain-fed streams, warning that swollen waterways pose a serious risk during the ongoing monsoon season.