Pakistan rain: Over 123 killed, 462 injured in Punjab province, massive damage to five major wholesale markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Since the end of June, heavy monsoon rains have caused massive destruction across Punjab province in Pakistan, leaving more than 123 people dead and over 460 injured, according to the country’s disaster management authority (PDMA). In just the last two days, 10 more people lost their lives. Officials say that most of the deaths happened because of rain-related accidents, such as collapsing walls, electrocution, and flooding.

The situation remains serious as emergency teams are still rescuing people trapped under debris or stuck in flooded areas. Many districts in Punjab are still under threat from the weather, and a new round of heavy rain is expected to hit the region soon.

According to the PDMA, another monsoon spell is likely to begin on July 20 and last until July 25. During this time, the weather department expects strong winds, dust storms, heavy rain, and possible flash floods in different areas.

The areas expected to be most affected include:

  • Northern and central Punjab: Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala.
  • Other major cities: Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali.
  • Southern Punjab: Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar, where rain is expected from July 18 to 23.

Local authorities are working quickly to prepare for the coming rains and possible floods. They’re asking people in low-lying and high-risk areas to stay alert and follow safety instructions.

Rawalpindi, Islamabad markets suffer big losses after floods; no government help reaches victims

Heavy rains and flooding have caused massive damage to five major wholesale markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. These markets include Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Sabzi Mandi, Bohar Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar.

In Moti Bazaar alone, more than 100 shops were flooded. Expensive clothes, fabrics, artificial jewelry, and cosmetics were completely ruined. Many shopkeepers, once doing well, have now lost everything.

Another area hit hard was the medicine market, where floodwater destroyed many wholesale medical stores, damaging medicines that are now unsafe to use.

According to reports from The Express Tribune, no government official or local politician has visited these affected areas so far. People say that the flood relief camps have no food, water, or basic support. Because of this, residents are avoiding these camps altogether.

Locals also claim that the district administration didn’t provide a single meal to any affected family or person. People are feeling completely abandoned as they try to recover on their own.

(With IANS inputs)

News