Monsoon Rains Kill 54 in Eastern Pakistan, Nationwide Death Toll Rises to 178 Amid Widespread Flooding

Motorists drive through a flooded road during monsoon rainfall, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Thursday, July 17, 2025

At least 54 people were killed in eastern Pakistan within 24 hours due to heavy monsoon rains, officials confirmed Thursday, as the country grapples with a severe weather crisis that has claimed 178 lives over the past three weeks.

The fatalities occurred in Punjab province, which has been hit hardest by the ongoing downpours. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Punjab received 124% more rainfall between July 1 and July 15 compared to the same period in 2024. Nationally, rainfall this month has surged 82% above normal levels, triggering flash floods and submerging multiple villages.

Local residents carry a big bag as they walk through a flooded road during monsoon rainfall, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Thursday, July 17, 2025

Since June 26, the total rain-related death toll has reached 178, with casualties reported across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest, Sindh in the south, and Balochistan in the southwest. Urban centers such as Rawalpindi and Lahore have seen major street flooding, severely disrupting transportation and daily life.

In Jhelum district of Punjab, a sudden cloudburst caused flash flooding that forced emergency crews to deploy rescue boats to evacuate residents. Television footage Thursday showed dramatic scenes of an army helicopter rescuing three members of a stranded family from the roof of their home near Rawalpindi.

A man walks with his motorcycle through a flood road caused by heavy monsoon rains, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Thursday, July 17, 2025

The National Disaster Management Authority issued an updated flood warning and called on local administrations to remain vigilant. Tourists were strongly advised to avoid travel to affected regions due to the increased risk of landslides and road blockages.

Meteorologists forecast continued heavy rains in the coming days, with Islamabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and other parts of the country expected to be impacted. Authorities warned that the intensity of the current monsoon season could mirror the catastrophic 2022 floods, which submerged a third of the country and killed 1,737 people.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely as emergency services remain on high alert across the country.