WEBDESK: Heavy monsoon rains have triggered severe flooding across several districts of Punjab, especially in Jhelum and Rawalpindi, where the Pakistan Army rescue operations are launched to assist affected communities.
In Jhelum, flash floods have struck villages in union councils Chotala, Khalaspur, and Jalalpur Sharif. Localities such as Dhok Badar, Nakka Khalaspur, Wagh, Chakri, Rajgaan, Rasoolpur, and Domeli are submerged. Pakistan Army rescue operations using helicopters are underway to evacuate families trapped by rising waters.
In Rawalpindi, the government has declared a rain emergency. Authorities announced a one day public holiday to keep residents safe. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that the emergency was imposed after torrential rains flooded large parts of the city.
Read more: Holiday in Rawalpindi declared amid heavy rain, flood risk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an urgent meeting to review the situation. He has asked the Chief Commissioner of Rawalpindi and the Managing Director of WASA to provide a detailed report. The meeting will assess the damage and evaluate safety measures already in place.
According to the Meteorological Department, Rawalpindi and Islamabad have received over 230 mm of rain since Wednesday night. Water levels in Nullah Lai rose dangerously, prompting authorities to sound flood alarms and order nearby residents to evacuate.
The Pakistan Army has launched rescue operations across multiple areas of Rawalpindi in coordination with civil authorities. Equipment and personnel have been deployed to respond quickly to emergencies.
PDMA has supplied rescue and relief equipment to district administrations. In Rawalpindi, Rescue 1122 has 16 OBM boats, 205 life jackets, 31 ambulances, 19 fire trucks, and 4 rescue vehicles ready for use.
WASA has also received additional dewatering machines, jetting units, and tractors. Municipal teams are operating mini-trucks, larger vehicles, and generator sets in affected zones.
One notable success came in Ladian village near Chakri Road, where Pakistan Army rescue operations saved a family stranded on a rooftop. Despite poor weather conditions, a military helicopter reached the area and safely evacuated all three individuals.
Elsewhere, in Neelum Valley (Azad Kashmir) and Jhelum, heavy rains continue to raise water levels in rivers and streams. Authorities have issued flood alerts for these regions as well.
The PDMA and local administrations have urged the public to follow evacuation orders, especially those living in low-lying areas near Nullah Lai. Pakistan Army rescue operations remain ongoing as more rain is expected in the coming hours. Mosques are broadcasting announcements asking residents to relocate to safer locations.
