LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that this year’s monsoon rains have claimed 29 lives and left 203 people injured across the province, while issuing a fresh warning ahead of the third spell of seasonal rainfall expected in the coming days.
According to the latest assessment released by the authority, heavy rains have caused widespread damage in several districts, prompting officials to place local administrations on high alert to deal with possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
The PDMA said most fatalities occurred after the collapse of old mud-built and poorly maintained houses weakened by continuous rainfall. Several people also lost their lives due to lightning strikes and electrocution during rainstorms.
Officials noted that unsafe buildings remain one of the biggest threats during the monsoon season, particularly in rural areas where many homes are constructed with mud or aging materials that become unstable after prolonged rainfall.
The report also revealed that 52 houses suffered partial damage as heavy rains continued to affect different parts of Punjab. In addition, six livestock animals were killed in weather-related incidents, adding to the financial losses faced by affected families.
In response to forecasts of another spell of heavy rainfall, the PDMA has directed all district administrations to activate emergency response plans and remain prepared for any worsening of the weather situation.
Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor vulnerable locations, including low-lying urban areas, riverbanks and flood-prone settlements where heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding or flash floods.
Emergency services, rescue teams and municipal authorities have also been asked to ensure the availability of personnel and equipment for rapid response operations if required.
The PDMA warned that continuous rainfall may increase the risk of water accumulation in cities, disrupt traffic and create hazardous conditions for commuters.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and remain cautious while driving on flooded roads.
The authority also urged citizens to stay away from exposed electrical wires, damaged utility poles and flooded streets where electric currents may pose serious risks.
Officials stressed that public awareness and precautionary measures remain essential to reducing casualties during the monsoon season.
The PDMA Director General said the majority of deaths could have been prevented by avoiding unsafe buildings and following official safety advisories issued before heavy rainfall.
He appealed to local administrations to identify structurally weak houses and inform residents about potential dangers before the arrival of the next weather system.
The Punjab government has also announced financial compensation for families affected by rain-related tragedies.
Under the provincial relief policy, families of those who died in monsoon-related incidents will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs1 million to Rs5 million, depending on the nature of the incident and applicable government guidelines.
Officials said the compensation aims to provide immediate support to bereaved families while rehabilitation efforts continue in affected districts.
Weather experts have forecast another active phase of the monsoon that may bring heavy rainfall to several parts of Punjab, increasing the possibility of flash floods, urban flooding and infrastructure damage.
The PDMA has advised the public to monitor official weather updates, follow emergency instructions and report any dangerous situations to local rescue authorities without delay.
With additional rain expected in the coming days, disaster management authorities remain on alert, hoping that timely preventive measures and public cooperation will help minimize further loss of life and property across the province.
