Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the Punjab government’s proactive monsoon management strategy had ensured the clearance of rainwater from flood-hit districts within hours, as authorities intensified emergency response measures across the province amid continuing heavy rainfall. According to a statement, the establishment of Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) in 41 districts, supported by more than 1,000 machines and operational staff, enabled the rapid drainage of accumulated rainwater that would otherwise have taken days or even weeks to clear. On the chief minister’s directions, rivers, dams and barrages across Punjab are being monitored round the clock through Safe City cameras, while district authorities have been instructed to ensure comprehensive safety arrangements around rivers, canals, rain-fed streams and low-lying areas. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged the public to avoid bathing in or visiting canals, rivers and seasonal streams during the ongoing monsoon season and any potential flood situation. She also directed district administrations to closely inspect weak and dilapidated buildings and advised citizens to stay away from structures vulnerable to roof collapse. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issued a monsoon flood situation fact sheet, stating that rainfall was recorded in most districts during the last 24 hours and that rainwater was cleared in the shortest possible time despite heavy downpours. According to the PDMA, the highest rainfall was recorded in Gujranwala (250 mm), followed by Sialkot (139 mm), Mandi Bahauddin (138 mm), Narowal (117 mm), Hafizabad (85 mm), Chakwal (70 mm) and Okara (64 mm). Gujrat received 49 mm of rainfall, Jhang 35 mm, Layyah 33 mm and Jhelum 32 mm. The authority reported that water levels stood at 57 per cent in Tarbela Dam, 38 per cent in Mangla Dam and around 30 per cent in the Bhakra, Thein and Pong dams. The PDMA reported 17 people had lost their lives and 107 others had sustained injuries in rain-related incidents during the current monsoon season. Of the fatalities, 12 resulted from the collapse of old and dilapidated buildings, two from lightning strikes and three from electrocution. It added that the injured were receiving the best possible medical treatment. The chief minister also directed the authorities concerned to ensure timely compensation for the families affected by rain-related incidents and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through effective disaster management and coordinated emergency response. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in rain-related incidents across the province and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. She urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures during the ongoing monsoon spell and appealed to parents to prevent their children from bathing in floodwaters, canals and rain-fed streams to avoid accidents. She also called upon residents of dilapidated buildings, weak-roofed houses and unsafe structures to voluntarily evacuate to safer locations. Maryam Nawaz directed Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and other relevant authorities to closely monitor such buildings and take timely preventive measures. The CM ordered the authorities concerned to ensure continuous monitoring of rivers, canals and flood channels, besides guaranteeing the prompt drainage of rainwater from streets, markets, roads and particularly underpasses. She further directed Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and other field officers across Punjab to remain present in the field and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow during the rains. She instructed all district administrations and relevant departments to perform their duties with vigilance and efficiency to safeguard public life and property. Paying tribute to officials and personnel engaged in rain emergency duties, Maryam Nawaz said she saluted every officer and worker serving the people during the ongoing monsoon spell.
Punjab CM orders round-the-clock monsoon monitoring
Published on: July 23, 2026 12:56 AM