ISLAMABAD: Widespread monsoon rains continued to trigger flooding across Pakistan on Sunday, with authorities warning of increasing river levels, flash floods and further downpours in several provinces. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the wet spell persists.
A major breach occurred in the Zamindarah Band embankment near Bait Pararah in Taranda Muhammad Panah along the Chenab River, allowing floodwaters to rush into nearby villages. The overflowing water inundated dozens of settlements and submerged hundreds of acres of agricultural land, forcing many families to leave their homes.
Local officials launched evacuation efforts and instructed residents to relocate to safer areas. A relief camp was established at Government Boys High School Onran for displaced families. However, some affected residents said emergency assistance was slow to reach them as floodwaters surrounded homes and blocked access roads.
Rivers Under Close Watch
Water levels continued to climb across Punjab’s river system. Medium-level flooding was reported at Khanki and Qadirabad on the Chenab River, while low-level flooding persisted at Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River.
The Indus River also recorded rising flows, with low-level flooding observed at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa. Meanwhile, the Jhelum and Sutlej rivers remained within normal limits.
At Guddu Barrage, inflows reached more than 217,000 cusecs, marking a significant increase over the previous day. Water experts noted that while current levels support irrigation, riverine communities could face flooding if flows exceed 500,000 cusecs.
Elsewhere, the Sindh River overflowed in parts of the Kacha area, affecting more than 10 villages and severing road links to several communities, including Ikhtiar Chachar, Kamal Chachar, Qubul Karim, Jam and Badu Chachar.
Heavy Rain Causes Damage
In Narang Mandi near Lahore, heavy rainfall flooded thousands of acres of rice fields after the Nala Dik embankment failed, disrupting communication with numerous villages.
In Multan, two people were injured when the mud roof of a veranda collapsed during the rain.
More Rain Forecast
The PMD predicted additional rainfall across Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while warning of flash floods in rivers and hill streams in Kashmir and Balochistan.
Authorities also cautioned that intense rain, strong winds and lightning could damage weak buildings, electricity poles, solar panels and roadside billboards.
Low-lying urban areas in Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Jhang and Faisalabad could experience waterlogging if heavy showers continue.
Karachi, Islamabad Among Cities Expecting More Showers
Islamabad remained partly cloudy, with rain expected later in the day and temperatures reaching around 27°C.
Karachi was also forecast to receive further showers under cloudy conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 35°C. Southwesterly winds of around 16 km/h were expected to continue, while officials warned of possible flooding in Badin, Hyderabad and nearby districts.
According to the Meteorological Department, a low-pressure weather system over southwestern Rajasthan, combined with strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is expected to keep moderate to heavy rainfall active across southern and central Pakistan. Areas including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin and Mirpurkhas are likely to receive thunderstorms as the current spell continues through July 27.
