Chakwal: In the wake of the devastating cloudburst and flash floods that struck Chakwal on July 17, the district administration has submitted a request for PKR 3.77 billion in funding to the Punjab government and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to support relief and reconstruction efforts.
The unprecedented rainfall—measured at 449 mm, the highest recorded in the region’s history—caused severe flooding that affected 173 villages across Chakwal, Talagang, Kallar Kahar, and Choa Saidan Shah tehsils. Chakwal tehsil was hit the hardest, with 114 villages impacted.
A comprehensive damage assessment led by the deputy commissioner detailed widespread losses to infrastructure, private residences, livestock, and public sector facilities. A total of 2,973 houses were damaged—136 completely destroyed and 2,837 partially damaged. The administration has proposed an allocation of PKR 147.9 million for housing reconstruction and repairs.
The disaster claimed nine lives, for which PKR 10 million in compensation has already been distributed by the chief minister. Additionally, five individuals with serious injuries received PKR 500,000 each. The report also recorded the loss of 110 livestock, for which a compensation package of PKR 4.735 million has been proposed.
The floods severely impacted various development projects and government services. Damages were reported in:
60 schemes under the Highways Department
18 under Small Dams
30 under Local Government
73 under School Education
6 under Higher Education
10 under the Health Department
Local municipalities also sustained damage, including:
14 schemes of the District Council
7 in Chakwal Municipal Committee
3 in Talagang
4 in Choa Saidan Shah
2 in Kallar Kahar
So far, the PDMA has released PKR 5 million as an initial relief grant, which district officials say is insufficient given the scale of destruction. The administration has emphasized the importance of transparent verification procedures at the local level to ensure that aid is directed to genuine victims.
Authorities are urging a swift response from the provincial government to begin essential restoration work before further weather-related challenges compound the damage.
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