Punjab ensures swift rain response amid record monsoon spell

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2026) Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s measures enabled rapid drainage operations in rain-affected areas across the province despite record monsoon showers over the past four days, according to an official handout issued on Friday.

The chief minister’s initiative to establish Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) operations in 41 districts, backed by more than 1,000 machines and operational staff, helped clear accumulated rainwater within hours instead of weeks.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Lahore received the highest rainfall at 383 millimetres during the past four days, followed by Gujranwala (328mm), Sialkot (321mm), Narowal (270mm), Murree (211mm), Mandi Bahauddin (177mm), Gujrat (144mm) and Jhelum (115mm).

The PDMA reported rainfall of 108mm in Hafizabad, 102mm in Mangla, 96mm in Chakwal, 85mm in Sheikhupura, 72mm in Okara, 66mm in Jhang, 57mm in Toba Tek Singh, 56mm in Attock, 52mm in Kasur, 47mm in Rawalpindi, 35mm in Layyah and 34mm in Sahiwal. Rain was also recorded in Faisalabad, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanewal, Bahawalnagar and Bhakkar.

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CM Punjab directed the authorities to ensure safety measures around seasonal streams, low-lying areas, rivers and canals. She appealed to the public to avoid visiting or bathing in canals, rivers and rain-fed streams during the monsoon season and possible flood conditions.

She also instructed district administrations to monitor weak and unsafe roofs, ordered compensation for affected families, and urged citizens to stay away from buildings and houses at risk of roof collapse.

According to the report, continuous monitoring of rivers, dams and barrages is underway on the chief minister’s directions. Surveillance of all relevant cities through Safe City cameras is also continuing in view of the monsoon rains.

The handout said drainage operations were completed in the shortest possible time despite unprecedented rainfall under the chief minister’s leadership.

PDMA Director General Umar Abbas Meela said the chief minister had also directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.