What Impact Did Record Torrential Rains Have in Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 123 deaths reported due to flooding in Punjab.
- Forecast indicates more heavy rainfall from July 20 to 25.
- Emergency services are actively rescuing trapped individuals.
- Significant damages to markets and local businesses.
- Lack of governmental support for affected communities.
Islamabad, July 19 (NationPress) Over 123 individuals have lost their lives and more than 462 have been injured in Pakistan's Punjab province since late June, as unprecedented torrential monsoon rains have flooded residential areas, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of the country.
In the last 48 hours alone, 10 people succumbed to various rain-related incidents across Punjab, with reports indicating that more than half of these fatalities were directly linked to the severe weather.
Authorities in Pakistan have issued warnings of a new monsoon spell expected from July 20 to 25, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, dust storms, and the possibility of flash floods in several areas.
As emergency services tirelessly work to recover bodies from debris and rescue individuals trapped in rising waters, multiple districts are still at risk of severe weather. With the fourth monsoon phase on the horizon, officials are making urgent preparations for potential flooding, as reported by Pakistan’s leading newspaper, The Express Tribune.
The PDMA has indicated that districts such as Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala are likely to experience substantial rainfall along with strong winds.
Forecasts also predict rain in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali. In South Punjab, areas like Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar could face heavy rainfall from July 18 to 23.
In the meantime, five significant wholesale markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Sabzi Mandi, Bohar Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar, have incurred massive losses due to the torrential rains and flooding.
Over 100 shops in Moti Bazaar, Rawalpindi, were overwhelmed by floodwaters, causing extensive damage to expensive garments, fabrics, artificial jewelry, and cosmetics, leaving shopkeepers in dire straits.
In another market area within the city, floods have devastated numerous wholesale medicine outlets, rendering valuable medical supplies unusable, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Reports indicate a lack of government presence or support in the affected regions, with flood relief camps lacking essential provisions, including food and assistance.
In the absence of government aid, residents have refrained from seeking shelter in flood camps. The district administration has reportedly failed to provide food to any affected families or households.