Torrential rains have caused destruction in many cities in Pakistan's central Punjab province, claiming 61 lives and rendering nearly 15,000 homeless. Nearly 1,000 houses have collapsed and about 16,000 partially damaged in the rain. According to Chaudhry Mohammad Azam, relief commissioner, several relief camps have been set up in the rain affected region. The administration has taken all necessary steps to help the people in the region. Around 4,050 ha of cotton crops, of which Pakistan is the largest exporter in the world, have been damaged following the torrential rains. Thousands of houses in Lahore and adjoining areas are said to in knee-deep water.