KP tops death toll as monsoon rains, flashflood claim 45 lives across Pakistan

  • KP records highest toll with 21 dead, including 10 children; 13 killed in rain-related incidents across Punjab
  • NEOC issues multiple impact-based weather alerts as the country braces for widespread rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms from June 29 to July 5
  • Warns heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding, flashfloods, and landslides in several regions, including Kashmir, northeast Punjab, the Potohar region, upper and central KP

ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR/LAHORE: Heavy monsoon rains and flashfloods have killed 45 people, including children and women during the past two days across Pakistan, while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted more rains across country and urban flooding till July 5, with heavy rainfall forecast for Hyderabad and Karachi from July 2, state media reported.

The highest toll was recorded in the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where 10 children were among 21 killed died in various rain-related incidents, the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority said on Sunday.

The disaster management authority said that the dead included 14 of those victims who were swept away by flashflood while picnicking on riverbank.

The officials informed that Punjab recorded 13 fatalities since Wednesday, eight of them were children who died when walls or roofs collapsed during heavy rains, while the adults were killed in flashfloods.

At least 11 other deaths related to the monsoon downpours were recorded in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The national meteorological service warned that the risk of heavy rain and possible flashfloods will remain high until Saturday.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has released a report detailing the human and financial losses in the province caused by rains, floods/flash floods, and landslides.

According to the report, since June 27 till to-date, various incidents caused by rains, strong winds, flash floods, and landslides have resulted in the deaths of 21 people and injuries to 10 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Among the deceased are 7 men, 5 women, and 9 children. The injured include 6 men, 3 women, and 1 child, it said.

The report states that a total of 57 houses were damaged due to the rains. As many as 51 were partially damaged, while 6 were completely destroyed. These incidents occurred across multiple districts, including Swat, Abbottabad, Lower Chitral, Buner, Swabi, Kurram, Charsadda, Malakand, Shangla, Lower Dir, and Torghar.

Swat was reported as the most affected district, with 14 deaths and 6 injuries.

PDMA has directed the concerned district administrations to immediately provide assistance to the affected families and ensure the best medical treatment for the injured.

The rain spell is expected to continue until July 1. PDMA had already issued alerts to the district administrations to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, the authority is in continuous contact with all district administrations, relevant departments, and relief organizations.

Powerful thunderstorm followed by torrential rain swept through Lahore, surroundings

A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by torrential rain swept through Lahore and its surroundings, bringing relief from the intense humidity that had gripped the region.

The storm hit several key areas of the city including Shimla Pahari, Abbott Road, Davis Road, Mall Road, Shadman, Gulberg, Scheme Moor, Mughalpura, Dharampura, Airport, Muslim Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Wahdat Road, Mustafa Town, and Yateem Khana, making the weather significantly pleasant.

However, the severe weather conditions also disrupted the power supply as strong winds and rain affected the electricity transmission system. As many as 178 LESCO feeders tripped, leaving numerous areas without electricity.

In response to the monsoon challenges, the Punjab government has initiated the implementation of its monsoon emergency plan. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered real-time updates on the plan’s execution and instructed the establishment of District Emergency Operation Centers in every district, which will remain operational 24/7.

According to the Punjab government spokesperson, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued detailed safety protocols to prevent accidents and damages.

The Chief Minister also directed local administrations to identify dangerous buildings and urged residents of dilapidated homes to relocate to safer locations as a precaution.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized full preparedness of all Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, rescue teams, and other departments. She appealed to the public to strictly follow safety guidelines during the rainy season, reiterating that protecting lives was the government’s top priority.

On the other hand, as many as eight people were killed while seven were injured in different rain-related incidents in Karachi during the last two days.

A man and his daughter were killed when the roof of their house caved in in Lyari, while five others, including children and a woman, were wounded. In another incident of roof collapse, reported from Manzoor Colony, a child was killed while another was injured.

Five people lost their lives after receiving electric shocks in New Karachi Sector 11 J, SITE Area Labour Square Company, Surjani Khuda ki Basti, Golimar and Bilal Colony in Korangi.

40-year-old Gulfam was electrocuted in New Karachi Sector 11 J, 22-year-old Mir Jan was electrocuted in Golimar Firdaus Colony, and another 22-year-old youth Kamran lost his life after receiving electric shocks at SITE Area Labour Square Company.

21-year-old Ahmad was electrocuted in Surjani Khuda ki Basti, while 17-year-old Mudassir was killed after receiving electric shocks at Bilal Colony in Korangi.

On the other hand, water is still to be drained out from several localities of the city following yesterday’s rain. The situation is especially pathetic in Saddar Town.

Roads damage, waterlogging paralyzes city life

Following the recent rainfall in Karachi, the city is facing severe urban flooding and deteriorating road conditions. Rainwater and sewage have accumulated on streets across various neighborhoods, causing significant disruption.

In Model Colony, large potholes have formed due to stagnant rainwater, trapping several vehicles. Notably, a police mobile also got stuck in one of the potholes yesterday, with videos of the incident going viral on social media.

Residents expressed their frustration, urging the city administration to take immediate action. “Mayor Sahib, please have some mercy on us, the situation in Model Colony is terrible,” a local citizen appealed.

The rain, which initially brought relief, quickly turned into a nightmare due to poor drainage and administrative negligence. Areas still affected by water accumulation include Model Colony, Korangi 2½, Industrial Area, Bagh Korangi, Qayyumabad, KPT Bridge, Orangi Town, Baldia, and surrounding localities.

Locals complained that concerned authorities are nowhere to be seen, and they called on the Mayor of Karachi to launch urgent repair and drainage work to restore normalcy.

NDMA warns of further heavy rains, urban flooding

National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), a unit of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has issued multiple impact-based weather alerts as the country braces for widespread rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms from June 29 to July 5.

The NEOC warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides in several regions, including Kashmir, northeast Punjab, the Potohar region, Islamabad, and upper and central Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

 

“Urban flooding is likely in low-lying areas of Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad—particularly from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am on June 29,” the alert stated.

Rain-related emergencies may also emerge in the districts of Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, and Faisalabad, while significant rainfall in the Sargodha Division may lead to localised flooding.

In northern areas, including Hazara and Malakand divisions in K-P, and the Jhelum and Poonch valleys of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, flash flooding and landslides are possible. NEOC warned of low-level flooding in the River Kabul at Nowshera, as well as medium flows in the Swat River.

Similar risks were identified in tributaries and glacial streams in Chitral and Hunza, including the Khunjerab, Ghujerab, and Braldu rivers. “Transportation in hilly and mountainous areas could be disrupted, along with communication and electricity services,” the statement warned.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast for southern Sindh, particularly Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi, where the risk of urban flooding is expected to rise sharply from July 2 onward.

NDMA has called on all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, activate contingency plans, and ensure warnings are communicated in local languages.

“Citizens are urged to stay informed through official advisories, avoid travelling near rivers and glacial streams, and keep emergency supplies ready,” it added. It also encouraged the public to download the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time updates.

Motorway police issue safety advisory for highway travelers

Meanwhile, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has issued a travel advisory in view of ongoing rainfall across the country.

The advisory urges travelers to take necessary precautions as wet and slippery roads significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Therefore, the drivers were advised to reduce vehicle speed, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, ensure headlights and wipers are in proper working condition, avoid sudden braking, avoid using a mobile phone while driving under any circumstances, and keep their full attention on driving.

Drivers, particularly tourists heading to hilly areas, were strongly urged to drive with extra caution.

During travel, for any assistance, they can contact the NHMP Helpline 130. “Your safety and a secure journey are our top priority”, added the National Highways and Motorway Police.

Last month, at least 32 people were killed in severe storms in the country, which experienced several extreme weather events in the spring, including strong hailstorms.

Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and its 240 million residents are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

Saleem Jadoon
Saleem Jadoon
News Editor at Pakistan Today

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