Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Southern Punjab, Disrupt Daily Life
Date: July 2025
Location: Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan
Heavy monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in several districts of southern Punjab, disrupting daily life and causing major concerns for residents and authorities alike. Cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan were among the most affected areas, where streets turned into rivers, and homes were submerged under water.
Roads Turn into Rivers
In many places, rainwater reached knee-deep, making it almost impossible for vehicles to move. Local transport services were suspended for several hours. Several low-lying neighborhoods were completely submerged.
“I lifted my children onto my shoulders and walked through the water to reach safety,” shared Abdul Kareem, a Bahawalpur resident. “The water came so fast, we didn’t even have time to move our furniture.”
Electricity and Water Supply Affected
Due to water entering the electric supply systems, many areas had to face long hours of power outages. Some localities had no electricity for over 24 hours. In addition, water supply lines were also damaged, creating a shortage of clean drinking water.
WAPDA officials said they were working round the clock to restore services but safety concerns were slowing down the process.
Crops Damaged, Farmers Worried
The heavy rainfall has also destroyed large areas of agricultural land. Many farmers reported that their fields had been completely washed away by floodwater.
“This was our only source of income,” said Riaz Ahmed, a farmer from Dera Ghazi Khan.
Agricultural experts are warning of a possible food shortage in the region if the rains continue. The Punjab government has promised to assess the damage and provide financial support to the farmers.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The district administration, rescue services, and Pakistan Army teams have been deployed in the most affected areas. Boats and life jackets have been provided to evacuate people from dangerous zones. Emergency medical camps have also been set up in schools and community centers.
Commissioner Multan Division said, “We are monitoring the situation every hour. Our priority is to save lives and provide relief to those who are stranded.”
More than 500 people have been evacuated so far, and over 1,000 meals have been distributed by rescue teams in different camps.
Climate Change and Urban Planning Blamed
Experts believe that rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, and the impact of climate change are the main reasons behind such severe flooding. Existing drainage infrastructure fails to cope with the heavy downpours of the monsoon season.
Environmental analyst Dr. Nadia Akram said, “What we’re seeing is a direct result of ignoring climate warnings. Cities need better drainage, green areas, and proper planning to face such situations.”
Government Response
Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, visited the affected areas and assured quick action. She announced that a detailed report of the losses would be prepared within one week and immediate funds would be released for relief operations.
“We stand firmly with our people and will support them through this difficult time,” she said. “Every family affected by the flood will receive compensation.”
Public Reactions
On social media, hashtags like #PunjabFloods and #SaveSouthPunjab have started trending, with people sharing videos and photos of waterlogged streets and homes. Citizens are also criticizing local authorities for not cleaning storm drains before the monsoon season.
One user on Twitter commented, “It feels like we go through this crisis every single year without any real solution. No preparation, no planning. Just promises after damage is done.”
Others are volunteering through NGOs to distribute food, medicine, and clean water in the affected areas.
Conclusion
The flooding in Southern Punjab is a wake-up call for better planning and stronger infrastructure. While rescue teams and government officials are working hard, the damage to homes, crops, and public property will take months to repair. Authorities must act now to prevent such disasters in the future and help affected citizens rebuild their lives.
