Unprecedented Urban Flooding Disrupts Daily Life

Gujrat city was brought to a complete halt on Wednesday after receiving over 500mm of rainfall within just 20 hours, triggering severe urban flooding across major roads, residential areas, and commercial zones.

According to data released by the Gujrat Municipal Corporation (GMC), a total of 507mm of continuous rain began around 10pm on Tuesday and continued until Wednesday evening, creating what officials described as an unprecedented flooding situation.

Education, Businesses, and Healthcare Services Hit

All schools, colleges, and trade activities remained suspended as floodwaters submerged key parts of the city. Citizens faced serious difficulties accessing Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital (ABSTH) and private medical facilities located along Bhimbher Road, due to waterlogged streets.

Worst-Affected Areas in Gujrat City

High Flood Levels Recorded

Authorities reported extreme water levels in multiple locations:

• 45 inches at Jalalpur Jattan Road, near Zahoor Elahi Cricket Stadium and Jail Chowk

• 41 inches in Ghareepura Road and nearby neighbourhoods

• 39 inches at Jinnah Road and Prince Chowk

Rain was still continuing at the time of reporting in the evening, worsening the situation.

Outskirts and Villages Submerged

At least eight villages on the outskirts of Gujrat, including Mehmda, Madina, and Loraiy, were completely submerged. Flooding also severely affected Railway Road, Sargodha Road, Court Road, Circular Road, and Rehman Shaheed Road.

In several areas, rainwater entered homes, forcing residents to remain indoors and causing widespread inconvenience. Most markets and shops across commercial centres remained closed, while Shadman Colony was also heavily flooded.

Relief and Drainage Operations Underway

Sanitation teams from the Gujrat Municipal Corporation worked continuously to drain stagnant water from affected areas. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Nurulain Qureshi, along with senior district officials, toured flood-hit localities to assess damage and oversee relief efforts.

Administrative and Emergency Response

Officers Deployed for Flood Duty

• Assistant Commissioners Farooq-i-Azam (Sara-i-Alamgir) and Ahmed Sher Gondal (Kharian) were assigned flood response duties in Gujrat tehsil

• AC Bilal Zubair remained stationed at Marala Headworks to coordinate evacuation and relief operations

The Deputy Commissioner also visited flood-affected villages along the Chenab River, where dozens of families and livestock were safely evacuated from newly flooded areas near Jalalpur Jattan.

Police Join Rescue and Evacuation Efforts

District Police Officer Rana Umar Farooq led police teams in affected zones, assisting with evacuation, rescue, and relief activities throughout Wednesday to ensure public safety.

Conclusion

The record-breaking rainfall in Gujrat highlights growing concerns over urban flooding, drainage infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. As authorities continue relief operations, residents remain on high alert amid ongoing rainfall and rising water levels.