LAHORE: Punjab received widespread monsoon rains during the past 24 hours, with Rawalpindi recording the highest 130mm rainfall, while low-level flooding persisted at three barrages on the River Indus.

The heavy rain triggered urban flooding and waterlogging in several areas, disrupting normal life. Rawalpindi was among the worst affected, where rainwater inundated two buildings and 159 people, including 150 children, were evacuated in two separate incidents without any casualties. Flooding was also reported in parts of Lahore, Attock, Gujrat and Narowal, with residents and commuters facing difficulties as rainwater accumulated on roads and in low-lying areas. In Rawalpindi, rising water levels in Nullah Lai further heightened concerns over flooding in adjoining localities.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 79mm rain was recorded in Attock, 65mm at Lahore Airport, 50mm in Wazirabad, 39mm each in Gujranwala and Jhelum, 33mm in Narowal, 30mm in Mandi Bahauddin, 19mm in Gujrat, 11mm in Sialkot and 7mm in Murree.

The PDMA forecast further rain in most districts during the next 24 hours and said the sixth monsoon spell was likely to continue until Aug 21.

PDMA forecasts more rain in most districts with sixth monsoon spell likely to continue until 21st

The heavy rain in Rawalpindi resulted in two incidents requiring evacuation, according to a consolidated emergency update issued for Aug 19. No casualties were reported.

In the first incident at Iqra Roza Tul Atfal Trust in Saddar, rainwater inundated two buildings, where around 400 children were present in one building and 150 in the other. The 150 children in the second building were safely evacuated and shifted to the other building.

The second incident occurred at Abbasia Chowk in Gulraiz Phase-I, where a family became trapped inside a house after rainwater inundated the premises. Rescue personnel evacuated nine people, including six adults and three children.

PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa said commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant departments across Punjab had been directed to remain alert and continuously monitor the situation during rainfall.

He advised residents to avoid staying in dilapidated buildings and unnecessary travel during rain. He also urged people to remain in safe places during thunderstorms and keep away from electricity poles, exposed wires, signboards and other unsafe structures.

The PDMA said water levels in most rivers of Punjab remained normal, including the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej. Water flow was also being recorded in riverine areas of Dera Ghazi Khan. However, low-level flooding was reported at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the River Indus. The discharge was recorded at 342,000 cusecs at Kalabagh, 294,000 cusecs at Chashma and 336,000 cusecs at Taunsa. Low-level flooding was also reported in Narowal at Nullah Basantar and Nullah Palkho.

Tarbela Dam was reported to be 100 per cent full, while Mangla Dam was 70 per cent full.

Flood relief camps have been established in flood-affected areas to provide shelter, food, clean drinking water, medical assistance and other basic facilities to affected people.

Dr Jappa urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, canals, streams and rainwater channels. He also asked parents to ensure that children did not enter or bathe in rivers, canals, streams or floodwater.

The PDMA said it was continuously monitoring the rainfall and flood situation. Citizens were advised to follow instructions of relevant departments and contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday contacted the deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi, Attock and Gujrat and directed them to launch swift drainage operations during the rains.

The chief minister appreciated the administration for clearing rainwater within a few hours in most areas and sought a report on the post-rain drainage situation. She directed the authorities to utilise all available resources to facilitate the public and ensure prompt removal of accumulated rainwater.

In view of the possibility of flooding in Nullah Lai in Rawalpindi, the CM also ordered the administration to take comprehensive precautionary measures to safeguard people and property.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2026