30 dead in 24 hours as rain batters Pakistan's Punjab: Chakwal hit by flash floods; emergency declared

Torrential monsoon rains in Pakistan's Punjab province have claimed 30 lives in just one day, pushing the total death toll from rain-related incidents in Pakistan to 170 since June 26. The government of Punjab has declared a "rain emergency" in several districts.

Chakwal district, located around 300 km from Lahore, received 423 mm of rain in 24 hours — the highest in the province — triggering flash floods. Rescue teams, supported by the military and local administration, are currently working to evacuate those trapped in flooded areas, according to the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA).

The PDMA also reported that apart from the 30 deaths, at least 300 people were injured across the province in rain-related accidents. The worst-affected cities include Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Chakwal. More than 125 houses have been damaged.

With forecasts warning of continued rain, the authorities have issued alerts for possible flooding in rivers and streams. All departments — including district administrations, police, and emergency services — have been placed on high alert.

Hospitals across Punjab, including field hospitals, have been instructed to stay fully prepared to handle emergencies, the government said in a statement.