Islamabad: Severe weather has claimed six lives and injured an additional six individuals in the past 24 hours, marking a continued trend of casualties and damages during this month’s heavy rains in Punjab.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the fatalities included one child and five women, while the month of July alone has seen 39 people killed and 113 injured due to adverse weather conditions. Irfan Ali Kathia, the Director-General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), stated that under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, financial assistance will be provided to the families who have suffered losses. The PDMA also reported that 61 houses were destroyed and 39 animals perished in the recent rains, underscoring the severity of the season’s impact.

The PDMA has issued warnings of moderate to high flood conditions expected at Mangla on the Jhelum River from July 30 to August 4. Similar conditions are anticipated at Marala, Khanki, and Kadirabad along the Chenab River, with potential low to medium level flooding at the Indus River at Tarbela and surrounding hills. Citizens have been urged to avoid old and unstable buildings, refrain from unnecessary travel during bad weather, and adhere to safety guidelines. The monsoon rains, expected to intensify across Punjab within the next 24 hours, are predicted to continue until August 4. Residents are advised to take precautionary measures and can contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of emergencies.