Deadly monsoon rains kill at least 33 in a day in Pakistan’s Punjab

Severe monsoon downpours have triggered widespread devastation across Pakistan’s Punjab province, leaving at least 33 people dead and 176 injured, the Rescue 1122 Punjab spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The rains, which have continued intermittently in the last 24 hours, caused fatal roof collapses, electrocutions, and extensive infrastructure damage.

In Lahore alone, at least 13 fatalities were reported due to rain-related incidents, including electrocutions and roof collapses.

Other districts severely affected include Faisalabad, where eight people lost their lives; Sheikhupura with three deaths; Okara with three; Pakpattan with four; and one fatality each reported in Nankana Sahib and Sahiwal.

One of the most devastating incidents occurred in Murdiwala village near Thokar Niaz Baig, where five members of the same family died after the roof of their home caved in.

In another incident in Kot Jamal, Raiwind, three people lost their lives, while a separate roof collapse in the same area claimed an additional life.

In Harbanspura, two children were electrocuted when rainwater came into contact with exposed wiring -- underscoring the dangerous conditions faced by residents in flood-prone and poorly maintained urban areas.

The Rescue 1122 spokesperson noted that the majority of fatalities were caused by roof collapses. Rescue operations and damage assessments are still underway as teams continue to respond to emergency calls.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government issued a statement expressing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. She extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed local administrations to expedite rescue and relief efforts in the rain-affected regions.

Authorities have also issued a public advisory, urging citizens to stay vigilant -- particularly around weakened structures and exposed electrical wiring -- as further rainfall is forecast in the coming days. Emergency services across the province remain on high alert.

With additional input from Laiba Zainab