Heavy monsoon rains and subsequent flooding have caused widespread devastation across Pakistan, claiming at least 43 lives and leaving 63 injured in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as confirmed by disaster management authorities.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22 people lost their lives, including five women and ten children, while 11 others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported significant damage to 75 houses, of which 64 were partially damaged and 11 completely destroyed.
Key areas affected in KP include Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Lower Chitral, Buner, and Swabi, with further impact noted in Kurram, Charsadda, Malakand, Shangla, Lower Dir, South Waziristan, and Torghar districts. Swat emerged as the hardest-hit region, with 14 fatalities reported.
In Punjab, authorities confirmed 21 deaths, among them 11 children and three women, while 57 people were injured. Many casualties resulted from roof collapses and weakened structures unable to withstand the heavy downpours. Notable incidents include two deaths caused by lightning strikes in Khanewal and Okara, and the tragic electrocution of two children in Mandi Bahauddin.
In Muzaffarabad’s Jhelum Valley, around 150 tourists were left stranded due to a major landslide and flash flooding in Pathiyali Mangar Nullah. In a coordinated rescue effort involving the Pakistan Army, local police, Rescue 1122, district authorities, and local volunteers, all tourists were safely evacuated. Among those rescued were 33 tourists visiting from Karachi.
The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast warning of further heavy rainfall expected on Tuesday, raising concerns over urban flooding in cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala. Citizens have been strongly advised to limit unnecessary travel and remain vigilant due to ongoing threats of flooding and potential landslides in vulnerable regions.
