335mm Rainfall Submerges Sialkot, Nala Dek Bridge Collapses Near Zafarwal

Heavy Rains Devastate Sialkot: 335 mm Rainfall Submerges City, Nala Dek Bridge Collapses Near Zafarwal

Sialkot, Pakistan — The city of Sialkot witnessed one of the heaviest downpours in recent years, receiving a staggering 335 millimeters of rainfall within a short span of time. The relentless rain turned streets into rivers, paralyzed transport, and forced thousands of residents to remain indoors as floodwaters engulfed neighborhoods, markets, and rural areas.

Authorities confirmed that the situation worsened after Nala Dek, one of the main water channels in the region, overflowed due to the massive inflow. The bridge over Nala Dek near Zafarwal collapsed under the intense water pressure, cutting off road connectivity and leaving commuters stranded. Local officials described the damage as “severe and unprecedented,” with emergency services deployed to rescue people trapped in flood-affected zones.

City Submerged and Life Disrupted

The torrential downpour brought the entire city to a standstill. Main roads, including Daska Road and Pasrur Road, were submerged, halting traffic for hours. Educational institutions announced sudden closures, while several markets remained shuttered due to water entering shops and warehouses. Residents reported power outages in multiple areas, adding to the misery.

Eyewitnesses shared videos on social media showing cars floating in floodwater, children being carried to safety, and rescue teams using boats in low-lying neighborhoods. In many areas, water entered homes, damaging furniture, food supplies, and electrical appliances.

A local resident from the congested Hajipura area told reporters, “We have never seen such rain before. Water rose above three feet inside our homes, and we had to move our children and elderly to relatives’ houses.”

Nala Dek Bridge Collapse Near Zafarwal

Perhaps the most alarming development was the collapse of the Nala Dek bridge near Zafarwal, a key link connecting Sialkot with neighboring towns. The strong current of floodwater eroded the foundations of the bridge, sweeping away parts of its structure. This has not only disrupted transport but also cut off supply routes for essential goods and emergency relief.

Traffic was immediately diverted to alternate routes, but with heavy flooding across the region, accessibility remained a major challenge. Authorities have warned the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from overflowing water channels.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that relief operations were underway in collaboration with the district administration, Rescue 1122, and local volunteers. More than a dozen rescue teams with boats and heavy machinery were dispatched to clear blocked roads and evacuate stranded families.

The government also issued a high alert for nearby districts, fearing that water levels in rivers and nullahs could rise further. Health authorities have set up temporary medical camps to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, while food and clean drinking water are being distributed in the worst-hit neighborhoods.

Deputy Commissioner Sialkot urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities, saying, “This is an extraordinary weather event. Our teams are working round the clock to restore normalcy, but we urge the public not to take risks and stay indoors where possible.”

Economic and Agricultural Losses

The heavy rain has not only damaged infrastructure but also threatened the livelihoods of farmers in surrounding villages. Standing crops of rice, maize, and seasonal vegetables have been submerged, raising fears of large-scale agricultural losses. Traders have also voiced concern that supply chain disruptions will impact local markets and export industries in Sialkot, known for its sports goods and leather products.

Call for Long-Term Measures

Experts say that while heavy rains are a natural phenomenon, poor urban planning, encroachment on water channels, and lack of drainage systems worsen the situation. The collapse of the Nala Dek bridge highlights the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and flood-prevention measures in flood-prone districts.

With more rain forecast in the coming days, the people of Sialkot remain on edge. For now, survival, safety, and recovery are the top priorities as the city struggles to cope with one of the heaviest rainfalls in its history.