Heavy rainfall of 526 millimetres has caused severe flooding in Gujrat, paralyzing the city and forcing schools to close. Streets, homes, and commercial areas remain under water, with residents struggling to cope.
Floodwaters entered major markets such as Kachhari Chowk, Court Road, and Muslim Bazaar. Traders reported huge losses as they rushed overnight to move their goods without support from local authorities. Many accused officials of negligence, demanding immediate action from the provincial government.
In several neighbourhoods, water entered homes, damaging furniture and cutting off kitchens. Citizens said cooking was impossible as floodwater filled their stoves. The disaster also reached the district jail and court premises, forcing the transfer of inmates to other prisons in Lahore and Gujranwala.
All schools in Gujrat have been suspended as emergency machinery was brought from Gujranwala to help clear water. In Jalalpur Jattan, a two-storey empty building collapsed after its foundations weakened, though no casualties were reported. Officials confirmed construction of a protective dam near Madina Syedan to divert water into storm drains.
The crisis is not yet over. Authorities warned that another wave of floods in the Chenab River is heading toward Head Trimmu, threatening low-lying areas of Punjab. Rescue teams remain on high alert.
This disaster follows similar extreme rains in Sialkot last week, where 355mm of rainfall left streets submerged for days. Experts say such weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, making Pakistan highly vulnerable to floods, landslides, and related natural disasters.
For now, Gujrat is left counting the damage as families and traders struggle to recover. Officials continue to monitor the situation while citizens await lasting relief measures.
In other related news also read EU Announces Rs350m Flood Relief Package for Pakistan.
