A tragic incident occurred in Hassan Abdal on Wednesday morning when a vehicle carrying ten family members was swept away by powerful floodwaters caused by heavy monsoon rainfall. The vehicle was reportedly engulfed by the strong current while attempting to cross a rain-fed stream.
Emergency response teams managed to rescue five of the passengers from the rapidly rising waters. The survivors were immediately transferred to a nearby hospital to receive necessary medical attention. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining five individuals, four women and one child, who were washed away by the surging water.
Divers have been deployed to search the surrounding areas in hopes of recovering those still missing. Authorities report that the unexpected rise in water levels made the situation particularly dangerous, and urge citizens to avoid flood-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
This recent tragedy echoes a similar incident that took place on July 22 in Islamabad’s DHA Phase 5, where a father and his daughter lost their lives after their car was caught in a sudden flood. Eyewitnesses stated the vehicle was overwhelmed by a sudden rush of rainwater, giving the passengers no chance to escape.
The ongoing monsoon season has brought devastation across Pakistan. According to official data, a total of 266 people have lost their lives and 628 have been injured in rain-related incidents. Punjab has experienced the most significant impact, with 144 fatalities and 488 injuries reported. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) follows with 63 deaths and 79 injuries. Sindh recorded 25 deaths, Balochistan 16, Islamabad eight, Gilgit-Baltistan seven, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir two.
In addition to the human toll, extensive damage has been inflicted on homes, roads, and livestock, compounding the suffering of affected communities. Many areas remain at risk of further flooding due to ongoing rainfall and insufficient drainage systems.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued alerts for potential flash floods in various local streams and nullahs. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
The scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for improved disaster management infrastructure, particularly in areas susceptible to seasonal flooding. As monsoon rains continue, the priority remains on saving lives and minimizing damage through swift rescue efforts and timely public warnings.
