Heavy rains in Sialkot have broken a nearly half-century record, with 363.5 to 405 millimeters of rain falling within 24 hours, surpassing the previous highest rainfall recorded in 1976.
The torrential downpour submerged large parts of the city, leaving residents stranded and causing widespread urban flooding.
Sialkot recorded 363.5mm to 405mm of rainfall in 24 hours, the heaviest since 1976 when 339.7mm was recorded.
This breaks a 49-year record and surpasses previous 11-year and other recent records.
In a post on X, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), confirmed, “363.5mm rain in 24 hrs – 49-year record broken!”, noting that heavy rainfall had been forecast in May and August and warning of further showers ahead.
According to PMD, the city recorded 339.7mm rains on August 6, 1976.
The intense rains overwhelmed drainage systems and caused flooding in several neighborhoods, including Rangpura, Shahab Pura, Kareem Pura, and others.
Major streets, residential areas, markets, and government offices were submerged under several feet of water, bringing city life to a standstill. Roads remained blocked, forcing authorities to deploy boats for the evacuation of stranded families. Widespread power outages and disruptions to mobile and internet services added to the chaos.
The situation worsened as Nullah Aik overflowed, while heavy rainfall and upstream water releases from India swelled the Chenab and Ravi rivers, intensifying the flooding.