KP monsoon death toll rises to 35 as 12 more die in rain-related incidents amid flash flood havoc

• Torrential rains trigger flash floods, house collapses and widespread disruption across multiple districts

• PDMA urges public to avoid vulnerable tourist destinations as more downpours forecast through July 23

• Rescue operations continue while PESCO struggles to restore power after 148 feeders trip across five circles

 PESHAWAR: At least 12 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents as torrential monsoon rains continued to lash several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Tuesday, triggering flash floods, inundating low-lying areas, damaging homes and infrastructure, and severely disrupting daily life across the province, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said.

The latest fatalities have pushed KP’s monsoon death toll to 35 since the season began in late June, making it the worst-affected province during the current spell of monsoon rains, according to the PDMA.

In a statement, the PDMA warned the public to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from visiting vulnerable tourist destinations as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect different districts of the province.

According to the authority, heavy rainfall and flash floods caused the collapse of roofs and walls of houses in Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Lower Chitral, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Tor Ghar and Kurram districts.

“The deceased included six men, five children and one woman,” the statement said, adding that 14 people were injured, while 14 houses were damaged, including one that was completely destroyed.

The PDMA said district administrations had been directed to expedite relief operations and provide immediate assistance to the affected families. It added that the PDMA, Rescue 1122 and other emergency agencies remained actively engaged in rescue and response operations in the affected areas.

The authority also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from sensitive tourist locations and strictly follow official advisories issued by the relevant authorities.

Last week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 19 to July 23, warning of possible flash floods, landslides and urban flooding, particularly in mountainous districts where fragile infrastructure and settlements remain highly vulnerable to extreme weather.

Torrential rains continue to batter KP

Meanwhile, torrential monsoon rains continued to pound several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, triggering fresh flash floods, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting normal life in many parts of the province.

According to PDMA officials, heavy rainfall caused seasonal streams and rivers to swell rapidly, washing away roads, damaging homes and disrupting transportation links in several vulnerable districts.

Flash floods were reported from various areas of Swat, Khyber, Mardan and Mansehra, while overflowing torrents swept away household belongings of several residents in Landi Kotal in Khyber district, Naran-Kaghan in Mansehra and Kalam in Swat.

Rescue teams were deployed to flood-hit areas as local administrations remained on high alert to deal with any emergency situation.

The PDMA urged residents living near rivers, streams and mountainous areas to exercise extreme caution, warning that further rainfall could significantly increase the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Emergency officials said rescue operations were continuing in the affected districts, with teams focused on evacuating stranded residents and restoring access to damaged communities. Authorities also urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through flood-prone areas and mountain passes.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rainfall in parts of the province over the coming days, prompting authorities to maintain emergency preparedness and closely monitor the evolving weather situation.

Electricity supply disrupted across 148 PESCO feeders

Separately, heavy rainfall across the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) region disrupted electricity supply to 148 feeders, affecting several districts, a PESCO spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The spokesperson said rain had continued for the past 12 hours in Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Swabi and Swat, resulting in widespread feeder tripping.

According to PESCO, 71 feeders were affected in Peshawar Circle, 33 in Khyber Circle, 22 in Mardan Circle, 12 in Swabi Circle, and 10 in Swat Circle.

Power outages were reported in several areas of Peshawar, including Gulberg, University Town, Cantt, Warsak and Shabqadar.

The spokesperson said restoration efforts were being hampered by the continuing rainfall. However, PESCO teams worked throughout the night and successfully restored electricity to 42 affected feeders.

The PESCO Control Room is continuously monitoring the situation, while Chief Executive Akhtar Hameed Khan has directed all operational teams to remain on high alert and ensure the earliest possible restoration of electricity supply.

He also instructed that all necessary equipment be provided to field teams and directed staff to observe strict safety measures while carrying out restoration work during the ongoing rains.