ISLAMABAD (UCAN): At least 54 people had died in Pakistan’s Punjab province over as at July 18 due to heavy monsoon rains which triggered flash floods across villages, towns and cities, including the capital Islamabad and adjacent Rawalpindi.
Christian settlements in the twin cities were badly hit due to the flooding, “which caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and bridges across provinces,” according to the National Disaster Management Authority [NDMA].
The national death toll due to rains, floods and related incidents since June 26 stands at 178, according to official figures. The flash floods, building collapses, and electrocution incidents left 491 people injured.
The country experienced 82 per cent more rainfall this month compared to the same period in July 2024, local media reported on July 17, quoting the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Authorities declared a public holiday in Rawalpindi and mobilised rescue teams as power outages, transportation blockages, and flooding were reported in many of its urban neighbourhoods.
Residents said that rainwater entered their homes, but no relief teams had visited the sites as of July 17
Army personnel were also deployed to support evacuation efforts.
Several informal Christian-majority settlements, including Rimsha Colony [H-9], 66 Quarters [G-7/2], and France Colony [F-7/4], reported heavy flooding.
In the Rimsha colony, several mud-walled homes were partially damaged.
Residents said that rainwater entered their homes, but no relief teams had visited the sites as of July 17.
“In our street, water entered three houses and we had to move all our things outside,” said Parveen Masih, a resident of Rimsha Colony.
“Nobody came to ask how we are managing,” he said.
At 66 Quarters, stagnant water accumulated in the narrow lanes due to clogged drains.
Residents expressed concern that any additional rainfall could result in homes sliding into the channel of the stream
“This happens every monsoon,” said a local shopkeeper. “We clear it ourselves. We’ve never seen any team from the government.”
France Colony, located along the banks of a natural stream called Nullah Leh, reported rising water levels and soil erosion.
Residents expressed concern that any additional rainfall could result in homes sliding into the channel of the stream.
“We are afraid,” said Pastor Aftab, a community elder. “We’ve been told to evacuate, but there’s nowhere else to go.”
France Colony residents requested immediate erosion control measures, including sandbags or other temporary reinforcements.
Residents complained that their settlements lack formal recognition, legal tenure, or access to municipal services, making them especially vulnerable during monsoon rains
Christian sanitary workers and low-income families make up a large portion of residents in informal settlements located along or near Nullah Leh and other vulnerable drainage channels.
Residents complained that their settlements lack formal recognition, legal tenure, or access to municipal services, making them especially vulnerable during monsoon rains.
“There was water everywhere,” said one youth volunteer in Shams Colony in Islamabad. “Even though the homes didn’t collapse, children were walking in knee-deep water next to open drains.”
Civil society groups working in the twin cities are urging authorities to conduct rapid needs assessments in high-risk communities.
Chakwal, a city, located south-west of Islamabad, also reported major damage to homes and infrastructure.
A local dam breach led to flooding in surrounding villages. Mass evacuations took place, with assistance from the Pakistan army and civil defense units.
Nationwide, 610 houses were damaged, 10.5 km of roads were washed out, and nine bridges were rendered unusable. Ten livestock deaths were reported, officials said.
The meteorological department continues to issue alerts, warning of flash floods in Kashmir, Pothohar, and Gilgit-Baltistan regions, as well as landslides in the hilly areas.
Urban flooding remains a risk in cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Islamabad.
The NDMA has directed district administrations to remain on high alert as monsoon rains are expected to continue into the weekend.
