Heavy pre-monsoon rains swept across Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday, bringing respite from oppressive humidity but also triggering tragic accidents. In Punjab, roof collapses killed at least one child and injured four others. The worst incident occurred in Okara’s Riazabad settlement, where six-year-old Dua Fatima died and two other children were injured when a rain-weakened roof gave way.
Similar incidents were reported in Kasur’s Talwandi village, where two children were hospitalized after a roof collapse. Meanwhile, in Lahore, torrential downpours flooded key areas, including The Mall, Canal Road, and Model Town, while power outages hit dozens of neighborhoods due to tripped LESCO feeders. WASA teams were put on alert as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz monitored the situation.
The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced intermittent showers, while Murree and Azad Kashmir saw intense rainfall, causing landslides that blocked highways. Tourists in Abbottabad and Kalam were stranded as overflowing streams and debris disrupted travel. The NDMA warned of more storms in the next 24 hours, urging authorities to prepare for further emergencies.
With low-lying areas inundated in Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad, rescue teams remain deployed. The NDMA’s alert highlights the need for swift disaster response as the monsoon season approaches. Will improved preparedness prevent more tragedies in the days ahead?