Rain-related incidents claim nine lives in KP as PDMA issues flash flood, GLOF alert

• PDMA warns of flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in upper regions through June 22

• Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kohistan and Mansehra among districts placed on high alert

• Authorities direct rescue teams, machinery and emergency staff to remain fully prepared

• Public advised to avoid unnecessary travel, rivers, streams and vulnerable tourist spots

 ISLAMABAD: At least nine people were killed and seven others injured in rain-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday warned of flash floods, landslides and possible glacial lake outburst floods in the province’s mountainous districts.

In its alert, the PDMA warned of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) alert for upper KP, highlighting that persistent rainfall could increase the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable mountain areas.

Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain and flash floods between June 16 and 22.

The warning covers Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Kohistan and Mansehra districts, where authorities said heavy rainfall between June 18 and 22 could trigger flash floods, landslides and glacial lake

“So far, nine people have died and seven people have been injured due to the collapse of roofs and walls of houses due to heavy rains and strong winds in the province,” the KP PDMA said in its latest report on losses of life and property in various districts due to strong winds, lightning strikes and downpours.

“The deceased included five men, two children and two women, while the injured include seven men.”

The incidents occurred in Dera Ismail Khan, Upper Dir, Kohat and Orakzai districts. The PDMA directed district administrations to provide relief materials to affected families as soon as possible.

“Public is appealed to avoid unnecessary travel and not to visit sensitive tourist spots and follow the alerts/adviseries issued by government agencies,” the authority said.

Separately, the PDMA directed district administrations in sensitive areas to remain on high alert, maintain continuous monitoring and ensure rescue teams, machinery and emergency personnel remain ready to respond. Authorities were also instructed to warn vulnerable communities in time and, if necessary, move residents to safer locations.

The authority advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, streams and glacial areas during the forecast period.

On June 15, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said a westerly wave was likely to affect several districts across KP, Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and persist in some areas until June 22.

“Strong windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may damage weak structures… Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from 16th to 21st June,” the PMD said.

“Heavy rains may cause Urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.”

The statement came days after rains killed at least a dozen people and injured more than 50 others in KP and Punjab provinces.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Sindh warned on Friday that dust storms, thunderstorms and light rain or drizzle could affect parts of Jacobabad, Kashmore, Kamber Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Larkana, Ghotki, Sukkur, Dadu, Khairpur, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze and Jamshoro districts through June 20. The authority cautioned that strong winds could damage weak structures, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards, and urged local administrations to remain vigilant.

Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and has faced increasingly frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rains, floods, heatwaves, cyclones and droughts, in recent years.

Torrential rains battered several parts of Pakistan in late March and early April, with the nationwide death toll crossing 80. At least 1,000 people were killed last year when intense monsoon rains, combined with excess water released from Indian dams, triggered flash floods across the country.