Torrential Rains Claim 14 Lives in Punjab: Roof and Wall Collapses Lead to Majority of Casualties
By TN Web Desk | June 28, 2025
Lahore — Punjab has been hit hard by relentless monsoon rains over the past four days, causing destruction, chaos, and heartbreak across the province. Between June 25 and June 28, torrential rains accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusts of wind led to the deaths of at least 14 people, including five children and three women, while leaving more than 40 others injured.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that 28 separate incidents related to the severe weather were reported across 13 districts in Punjab. The primary causes of fatalities were roof and wall collapses, which are tragically common during the monsoon season due to substandard housing and aging infrastructure. Other deaths occurred from lightning strikes, drowning in rainwater drains, and electrocution.
The devastation has once again raised pressing questions about the province’s preparedness for seasonal rains, the safety of housing structures in low-income areas, and the adequacy of the sewerage and drainage systems, especially in major urban centers like Lahore.
Transportation Chaos in Lahore
The monsoon downpour in Lahore, which began in the early hours of Friday and intensified throughout the day, transformed many city roads into streams and lakes. Near the American Consulate, large pools of stagnant water blocked entire streets, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Cars stalled, motorcycles slipped, and pedestrians waded through knee-deep water.
Residents complained that the Lahore Waste Management Company and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) were slow to respond. Many neighborhoods reported poor or nonexistent drainage, leading to rainwater accumulating in homes, shops, and even hospitals.
“This happens every year. Nothing ever changes,” said Sajid Ali, a shopkeeper in Ichhra Bazaar. “We pay taxes, we vote, but when the rain comes, we’re left to fend for ourselves. Our homes flood, our children fall sick, and our belongings are ruined.”
Deadliest Incidents: Roof and Wall Collapses
According to Rescue 1122 and PDMA, the majority of the fatalities were caused by structural collapses — mostly roofs and boundary walls — weakened or already dilapidated before the rain. The poor quality of construction in rural and peri-urban areas makes these structures particularly vulnerable during heavy downpours.
In Lahore’s Abbas Nagar locality, two people lost their lives when the roof of a small home collapsed while they were sleeping. Four others were injured, including two children. Local rescuers and neighbors rushed to the scene, but the debris was too heavy, and rescue efforts took several hours.
Similarly, in Okara district, which reported the highest number of weather-related incidents, eight separate cases were documented. One child died, while seven others — including two women, three men, and two children — were injured due to falling debris or partial building collapses.
In Mandi Bahauddin, a mother and her young child were killed when their house’s mud-brick roof caved in during the night. Three others, including two neighbors who rushed to help, were injured.
Bahawalnagar and Faisalabad each reported the death of one child. In both cases, it was again roof collapses in poorly maintained residential buildings that led to the tragedies.
Kasur saw two children lose their lives, while another individual was injured. In Wazirabad, a man and a child died, and two others suffered injuries in separate incidents involving wall collapses and flying debris caused by high winds.
Lightning and Drowning Incidents
Lightning strikes were responsible for two deaths — one in Okara and another in Khanewal. In both cases, the victims were working outdoors in the fields when lightning suddenly struck. They died on the spot, highlighting the dangers faced by agricultural workers during such weather conditions.
Jhelum district reported two particularly tragic deaths when two men drowned in a flooded nullah. Witnesses said the men were trying to cross a road submerged by rainwater when they slipped and were swept away by the strong current. Their bodies were later recovered by local authorities.
These cases underline the lack of proper barriers and warning signs near dangerous water channels during the monsoon season — a recurring issue that puts lives at risk every year.
Widespread Injuries and Property Damage
Across the province, over 43 people sustained injuries in various rain-related incidents. Chiniot reported four male injuries when a roof collapsed on them during the early morning hours. The victims were rushed to the district hospital, where they remain under observation.
In Khanewal, one man was killed and another injured in a lightning strike, adding to the district’s total toll. Sahiwal reported two injuries — one man and one woman — who were hurt when a tree fell on their motorcycle during a windstorm.
Multan, a city often plagued by weak infrastructure and drainage issues, reported four separate incidents, with at least eight people injured. Many of these injuries were from falling debris or slippery roads, including children and elderly people.
In addition to human casualties, there were also reports of damage to livestock. In Rahim Yar Khan, one cow was killed and another injured when a tree fell on a small farm during a powerful wind gust. Such losses, though not always reported in headlines, have a profound impact on rural families who rely on livestock for livelihood.
Poor Drainage and Infrastructure Issues Worsen Crisis
The monsoon rains have once again exposed the vulnerabilities of Punjab’s aging and often-neglected urban infrastructure. In cities like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, where population density continues to rise, drainage systems built decades ago are unable to handle the increased water flow.
Experts say that the province’s sewerage system needs a comprehensive overhaul. “The problem isn’t just the rain — it’s the system we have to deal with the rain,” said Dr. Rabia Khattak, an urban planner based in Lahore. “We need investment in sustainable drainage systems, proper zoning regulations, and public awareness.”
In many cases, citizens themselves contribute to the drainage crisis by throwing garbage into open drains, clogging the system. “It’s a shared responsibility,” Dr. Khattak added. “Government institutions must act, but so must the public.”
PDMA Response and Warnings
The PDMA has issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors during rainstorms and avoid areas prone to flooding or structural instability. They emphasized the need to avoid makeshift housing, loosely constructed rooftops, and overhead power lines during rain.
In a statement, the PDMA said, “We are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with district administrations to ensure rapid response. We urge citizens to report any dangerous structures or flooding immediately.”
PDMA has also dispatched emergency response teams to high-risk districts and placed hospitals on alert. In areas like Okara, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, teams have been stationed to assist with rescue operations and provide first aid to the injured.
Public Criticism Mounts
Despite the official response, many citizens expressed frustration at what they describe as the government’s slow reaction and lack of preparedness. On social media, hashtags like #LahoreFloods, #MonsoonDisaster, and #PDMAFailure trended throughout the day.
Local opposition parties seized the moment to criticize the provincial government. “Every year the monsoon season arrives like a surprise to them,” said Mian Zahid, a spokesperson for the opposition in the Punjab Assembly. “Why is there no permanent infrastructure strategy? Why do people have to die before action is taken?”
The Way Forward
Experts argue that while rescue efforts are crucial, the root causes of such disasters must be addressed. These include:
-
Reinforcement of building codes: Many homes in rural and low-income urban areas are not built to withstand monsoon rains. Stronger regulations and affordable housing initiatives could help reduce fatalities.
-
Modernization of drainage systems: Urban flooding can only be tackled through serious investment in drainage, sewerage, and stormwater systems.
-
Community awareness campaigns: Educating the public on what to do during storms, how to recognize structurally weak buildings, and how to respond in emergencies can save lives.
-
Climate resilience planning: With climate change contributing to more erratic and intense rainfall, Punjab must develop climate-adaptive infrastructure and disaster response strategies
Conclusion
The tragic loss of 14 lives and injuries to dozens more across Punjab due to monsoon-related incidents is a stark reminder of the province’s infrastructural and planning shortcomings. While the government has issued statements and deployed rescue teams, the fundamental issues — from weak building structures to broken drainage systems — remain largely unaddressed.
Until there is a serious, coordinated effort from government bodies, civil society, and the public, such incidents will continue to recur every monsoon season. For the people of Punjab, the rains bring not just relief from summer heat but also fear — fear of flooded homes, collapsing roofs, and roads that become rivers. It’s time for that fear to end, and for action to begin.
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Torrential Rains Claim 14 Lives in Punjab: Roof and Wall Collapses Lead to Majority of Casualties
By TN Web Desk | June 28, 2025
Lahore — Punjab has been hit hard by relentless monsoon rains over the past four days, causing destruction, chaos, and heartbreak across the province. Between June 25 and June 28, torrential rains accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusts of wind led to the deaths of at least 14 people, including five children and three women, while leaving more than 40 others injured.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that 28 separate incidents related to the severe weather were reported across 13 districts in Punjab. The primary causes of fatalities were roof and wall collapses, which are tragically common during the monsoon season due to substandard housing and aging infrastructure. Other deaths occurred from lightning strikes, drowning in rainwater drains, and electrocution.
The devastation has once again raised pressing questions about the province’s preparedness for seasonal rains, the safety of housing structures in low-income areas, and the adequacy of the sewerage and drainage systems, especially in major urban centers like Lahore.
Transportation Chaos in Lahore
The monsoon downpour in Lahore, which began in the early hours of Friday and intensified throughout the day, transformed many city roads into streams and lakes. Near the American Consulate, large pools of stagnant water blocked entire streets, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Cars stalled, motorcycles slipped, and pedestrians waded through knee-deep water.
Residents complained that the Lahore Waste Management Company and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) were slow to respond. Many neighborhoods reported poor or nonexistent drainage, leading to rainwater accumulating in homes, shops, and even hospitals.
“This happens every year. Nothing ever changes,” said Sajid Ali, a shopkeeper in Ichhra Bazaar. “We pay taxes, we vote, but when the rain comes, we’re left to fend for ourselves. Our homes flood, our children fall sick, and our belongings are ruined.”
Deadliest Incidents: Roof and Wall Collapses
According to Rescue 1122 and PDMA, the majority of the fatalities were caused by structural collapses — mostly roofs and boundary walls — weakened or already dilapidated before the rain. The poor quality of construction in rural and peri-urban areas makes these structures particularly vulnerable during heavy downpours.
In Lahore’s Abbas Nagar locality, two people lost their lives when the roof of a small home collapsed while they were sleeping. Four others were injured, including two children. Local rescuers and neighbors rushed to the scene, but the debris was too heavy, and rescue efforts took several hours.
Similarly, in Okara district, which reported the highest number of weather-related incidents, eight separate cases were documented. One child died, while seven others — including two women, three men, and two children — were injured due to falling debris or partial building collapses.
In Mandi Bahauddin, a mother and her young child were killed when their house’s mud-brick roof caved in during the night. Three others, including two neighbors who rushed to help, were injured.
Bahawalnagar and Faisalabad each reported the death of one child. In both cases, it was again roof collapses in poorly maintained residential buildings that led to the tragedies.
Kasur saw two children lose their lives, while another individual was injured. In Wazirabad, a man and a child died, and two others suffered injuries in separate incidents involving wall collapses and flying debris caused by high winds.
Lightning and Drowning Incidents
Lightning strikes were responsible for two deaths — one in Okara and another in Khanewal. In both cases, the victims were working outdoors in the fields when lightning suddenly struck. They died on the spot, highlighting the dangers faced by agricultural workers during such weather conditions.
Jhelum district reported two particularly tragic deaths when two men drowned in a flooded nullah. Witnesses said the men were trying to cross a road submerged by rainwater when they slipped and were swept away by the strong current. Their bodies were later recovered by local authorities.
These cases underline the lack of proper barriers and warning signs near dangerous water channels during the monsoon season — a recurring issue that puts lives at risk every year.
Widespread Injuries and Property Damage
Across the province, over 43 people sustained injuries in various rain-related incidents. Chiniot reported four male injuries when a roof collapsed on them during the early morning hours. The victims were rushed to the district hospital, where they remain under observation.
In Khanewal, one man was killed and another injured in a lightning strike, adding to the district’s total toll. Sahiwal reported two injuries — one man and one woman — who were hurt when a tree fell on their motorcycle during a windstorm.
Multan, a city often plagued by weak infrastructure and drainage issues, reported four separate incidents, with at least eight people injured. Many of these injuries were from falling debris or slippery roads, including children and elderly people.
In addition to human casualties, there were also reports of damage to livestock. In Rahim Yar Khan, one cow was killed and another injured when a tree fell on a small farm during a powerful wind gust. Such losses, though not always reported in headlines, have a profound impact on rural families who rely on livestock for livelihood.
Poor Drainage and Infrastructure Issues Worsen Crisis
The monsoon rains have once again exposed the vulnerabilities of Punjab’s aging and often-neglected urban infrastructure. In cities like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, where population density continues to rise, drainage systems built decades ago are unable to handle the increased water flow.
Experts say that the province’s sewerage system needs a comprehensive overhaul. “The problem isn’t just the rain — it’s the system we have to deal with the rain,” said Dr. Rabia Khattak, an urban planner based in Lahore. “We need investment in sustainable drainage systems, proper zoning regulations, and public awareness.”
In many cases, citizens themselves contribute to the drainage crisis by throwing garbage into open drains, clogging the system. “It’s a shared responsibility,” Dr. Khattak added. “Government institutions must act, but so must the public.”
PDMA Response and Warnings
The PDMA has issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors during rainstorms and avoid areas prone to flooding or structural instability. They emphasized the need to avoid makeshift housing, loosely constructed rooftops, and overhead power lines during rain.
In a statement, the PDMA said, “We are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with district administrations to ensure rapid response. We urge citizens to report any dangerous structures or flooding immediately.”
PDMA has also dispatched emergency response teams to high-risk districts and placed hospitals on alert. In areas like Okara, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, teams have been stationed to assist with rescue operations and provide first aid to the injured.
Public Criticism Mounts
Despite the official response, many citizens expressed frustration at what they describe as the government’s slow reaction and lack of preparedness. On social media, hashtags like #LahoreFloods, #MonsoonDisaster, and #PDMAFailure trended throughout the day.
Local opposition parties seized the moment to criticize the provincial government. “Every year the monsoon season arrives like a surprise to them,” said Mian Zahid, a spokesperson for the opposition in the Punjab Assembly. “Why is there no permanent infrastructure strategy? Why do people have to die before action is taken?”
The Way Forward
Experts argue that while rescue efforts are crucial, the root causes of such disasters must be addressed. These include:
-
Reinforcement of building codes: Many homes in rural and low-income urban areas are not built to withstand monsoon rains. Stronger regulations and affordable housing initiatives could help reduce fatalities.
-
Modernization of drainage systems: Urban flooding can only be tackled through serious investment in drainage, sewerage, and stormwater systems.
-
Community awareness campaigns: Educating the public on what to do during storms, how to recognize structurally weak buildings, and how to respond in emergencies can save lives.
-
Climate resilience planning: With climate change contributing to more erratic and intense rainfall, Punjab must develop climate-adaptive infrastructure and disaster response strategies.
