Deadly Floods, Landslides as Monsoon Rains Lash KP, Punjab

Pakistan is facing one of its deadliest monsoon seasons in recent memory, with heavy rains and flash floods killing at least 657 people since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The ongoing downpours have caused widespread destruction, leaving more than 920 people injured and displacing thousands. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is the hardest-hit province, with over 300 deaths reported, particularly in mountainous areas such as Buner, Swabi, and Mardan.

Torrential rain has disrupted life across the country. In Swabi, a house collapse caused by a cloudburst killed two women and two children. In Nowshera, a husband and wife died when their roof caved in during the storm. Peshawar, the provincial capital, experienced urban flooding after nonstop rain. Key areas including Saddar, University Road, and Hayatabad were submerged, with water entering homes, police stations, and markets, paralyzing daily life.

Floodwaters have also hit Punjab, where consistent rain lashed cities like Multan, Jhang, Khushab, and Chakwal. Several low-lying areas were flooded, while in Balochistan, the weather remained humid and cloudy, with further rain expected in regions such as Zhob, Loralai, and Dera Bugti. Azad Kashmir faced thunderstorms in Dhirkot and other parts of Poonch.

Rescue and relief operations are underway across affected regions. The federal government, provincial authorities, armed forces, and disaster management teams are actively responding to the crisis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a key meeting to review the situation, while various ministers and officials were sent to flood-hit areas to supervise recovery efforts. Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the NDMA is working closely with provincial governments, sharing early warning data and coordinating emergency responses.

Rivers are swelling across the country. The Indus River has reached medium flood levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa Barrage. Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for nearby settlements. Tarbela Dam is now 97% full, while Mangla Dam is at 71% capacity. The Kabul, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers are flowing normally, though smaller rivers and hill torrents continue to pose risks in certain regions.

The NDMA confirmed that of the 657 nationwide deaths, 171 were children, 94 were women, and 392 were men. KP recorded 390 deaths, while Punjab reported 164, including 70 children. Sindh saw 28 deaths, Balochistan 20, Gilgit-Baltistan 32, Azad Kashmir 15, and Islamabad 8. Relief efforts are being accelerated in the worst-hit areas as more rain is forecast.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects the heavy rains to continue until August 19, with at least three more wet spells likely into early September. Meteorologists warn that climate change is intensifying Pakistan’s monsoon season, making floods more frequent and severe. Chief meteorologist Zaheer Babar explained that poor urban planning, illegal construction near waterways, and waste dumping are worsening the impact of extreme weather.

Pakistan remains one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. In 2022, monsoon floods killed over 1,700 people and submerged a third of the country. As the current season continues, officials are urging the public to stay alert and follow safety guidelines as efforts continue to save lives and rebuild affected communities.