UN Flags Looming Disaster as Monsoon Rains Overwhelm Pakistan’s Punjab Province

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The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over widespread flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province following deadly monsoon rains. With dozens killed and more rain on the horizon, the province now braces for further devastation reminiscent of the catastrophic 2022 floods.

In a statement published on its official site, the UN underscored the rapidly deteriorating situation: rising river levels, collapsed infrastructure, displaced communities, and severed transportation links have once again exposed the vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s disaster response system. This crisis has prompted both provincial and federal agencies to issue high-level alerts ahead of additional downpours.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared multiple areas as disaster zones and warned of severe flooding risks in low-lying districts. Major rivers, including the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej, and Indus, are approaching critical levels. In coordination, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a nationwide flood warning for July 19–25, signaling possible flash floods and landslides across several provinces.

According to official figures, at least 123 people have died in weather-related incidents during the current monsoon season, with over 450 injured. Infrastructure damage is also mounting, with more than 150 buildings affected so far. The PDMA, citing abnormal rises in water levels, has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to mobilize emergency resources immediately.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, speaking on behalf of the provincial leadership, called for full activation of emergency protocols. “In line with the chief minister’s instructions, all emergency control rooms must be operational 24/7,” he stated. All provincial departments, including health, agriculture, irrigation, transport, and local government, have been placed on high alert. Emergency responders, such as Rescue 1122, are preparing for large-scale rescue and relief operations.

Adding urgency to the situation, the PDMA predicts the fourth wave of monsoon rains to begin on July 20 and persist through July 25. Heavy rains and windstorms are forecast across key districts such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Multan. Notably, the Indus River at Tarbela and Kalabagh is already at a low flood stage, while Chashma is experiencing medium-level flooding, with the risk of escalation.