ISLAMABAD: Flash floods and heavy rains have claimed the lives of 64 people and injured 117 across Pakistan in the past week, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest toll, with 23 deaths, including 10 children. Fourteen victims were swept away by flash floods in the Swat Valley. In Punjab, 21 people lost their lives, 11 of whom were children, after homes collapsed amid heavy rainfall. Sindh saw 15 deaths, while five people died in Balochistan.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that monsoon rains will intensify from July 5. Moist monsoon currents are expected to penetrate the country more strongly over the weekend. Additionally, a westerly wave is set to approach upper parts of Pakistan on July 6, enhancing rainfall.
From July 5-10, rain and thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in various regions, including Muzaffarabad, Swat, Rawalakot, and Malakand. Gilgit-Baltistan areas like Skardu, Hunza, and Gilgit are also likely to experience similar conditions.
In Punjab and Islamabad, widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecasted, particularly in districts such as Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, from July 5-10. Southern Punjab areas, including Multan and Bahawalpur, will receive rain from July 6-8.
Sindh and Balochistan are also likely to experience rain and thunderstorms, with moderate rainfall expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur between July 3-4, and isolated heavy showers in southeastern parts.
The PMD also issued a warning of potential flash floods in local nullahs and streams in regions like Murree, Galliyat, Chitral, Swat, and others, particularly from July 5-8. Heavy downpours may also cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other cities from July 6-8.
