Pakistan: 11 dead as heavy rains batter Punjab, Balochistan

July 10, 2025

Balochistan: Heavy monsoon rains have caused significant devastation across parts of Pakistan, including Lahore, surrounding districts in Punjab Province, and sections of Balochistan. At least 11 people have died, and many others have been injured, according to Dawn.

The intense downpour led to widespread flooding, severely disrupting normal life. In Lahore, the heavy rain flooded low-lying neighborhoods and major roads, exposing the city’s inadequate drainage system.

Data from Lahore’s Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) indicated that the region received an average rainfall of 58.8 mm, with Nishtar Town recording the highest at 84 mm, followed by Lakshmi Chowk at 78 mm, and Paniwala Talab at 74 mm. The rainfall occurred in two main phases: the first from 2:45 am to 5:40 am, and a more intense second spell between 10:45 am and 12:11 pm.

Several key areas, including Jail Road (63mm), Qurtaba Chowk (68mm), and WASA’s Gulberg office (69mm), experienced severe waterlogging, often combined with sewage, creating health hazards and obstructing movement. This highlighted the city’s poor drainage infrastructure.

Tragically, a child was electrocuted at Yakki Gate due to exposed electrical wiring. Power outages affected thousands as multiple Lesco feeders tripped, plunging parts of the city into darkness. Residents in areas like Mughalpura and Barki Road faced significant difficulties, with stagnant water hindering movement and minimal intervention from authorities. Many complaints indicated that efforts to drain water mainly targeted affluent neighborhoods, leaving others stranded—many low-lying areas like Farrukhabad and Johar Town suffered most due to inadequate drainage, despite claims from the Lahore Waste Management Company of deploying cleanup crews.

In other parts of Punjab, heavy rainfall was recorded in districts such as Khanewal (51 mm), Rawalpindi (42 mm), Sahiwal (44 mm), Murree (41 mm), and Okara (30 mm). Several cities, including Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, and Multan, also experienced heavy downpours.

Rescue services reported nine deaths across Punjab caused by rain-related incidents. In Balochistan, heavy rain and strong winds resulted in two fatalities and one injury in Khuzdar and Mastung districts.