Punjab provincial government declares emergency in several districts
Pakistan has deployed army helicopters and declared a state of emergency in several districts of eastern Punjab province following heavy rains and widespread flooding that claimed more than 60 lives in the past 24 hours, authorities said on Thursday.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), army helicopters have been dispatched to rescue people stranded by floodwaters in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and other affected areas.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced an emergency in multiple districts, including Rawalpindi and Chakwal, due to the deteriorating weather conditions.
In a post on X, she said: "An emergency has been declared in various areas of Punjab due to unprecedented stormy rains and flooding. Government institutions are working with zeal and utmost effort."
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that 63 people lost their lives and 290 were injured in the last 24 hours. Since the start of the monsoon season on June 26, the death toll in Punjab has reached 103, with 393 injured.
Most casualties were caused by the collapse of buildings.
Chakwal and Rawalpindi are among the hardest-hit districts, with Chakwal receiving 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of rain overnight due to a cloudburst, triggering flash floods.
Pakistan army helicopters also launched an urgent aerial rescue mission and rescued a family stranded by rising waters in Rawalpindi, according to local media reports.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for continued torrential rains and wind-thundershowers across the country until July 17.
