ISLAMABAD: A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Islamabad’s DHA Phase 5 on Tuesday morning, where a father and his daughter were swept away by surging floodwaters triggered by relentless monsoon rains.
According to initial reports, the victims—identified as Qazi Ishaq and his daughter, residents of Sector A, DHA Phase 5—were en route to the daughter’s college when their car was caught in a rapidly flooding drainage channel. Eyewitnesses said the water level rose suddenly, giving them no time to escape.
Rescue operations have been ongoing for several hours, but the duo remains missing as search teams continue their efforts.
The incident occurred amid widespread urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, following intense rainfall. Authorities were compelled to reopen the spillways of Rawal Dam on Tuesday after water levels surged past 1,750 feet—marking the second overflow of the dam in just one week.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall across the region: Saidpur received 40mm, Golra 15mm, Shamsabad 18mm, and Rawalpindi’s Kacheri area registered 54mm.
In response to the worsening situation, Rawalpindi authorities declared a rain emergency. Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Saleem Ashraf confirmed that all staff leaves have been canceled and emergency teams are on high alert. Section 144 has been enforced across the city, prohibiting swimming and public access to seasonal nullahs.
Flooding also intensified in Islamabad’s Bari Imam area as the Noor Pur Shah Nullah overflowed, further exacerbating the crisis.
Meanwhile, in Murree, continuous downpours triggered landslides along the Chara Gali–Bastal Road. Several vehicles carrying passengers were trapped by falling debris. Rescue teams managed to evacuate at least 11 people, with one individual admitted to a hospital for treatment.
In Namb Jhanda Gali village, a massive boulder fell on two residential houses. Emergency response units, assisted by local residents, rushed to the site to carry out rescue and relief operations.
As monsoon rains continue to batter the region, authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors, avoid travel through flood-prone areas, and stay clear of overflowing waterways.
Monsoon rains havoc: Father and daughter swept away in Islamabad
At least 10 people, including six children and two women, have lost their lives as heavy rains and flash floods wreak havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to the latest report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The widespread destruction has also left two people injured, including a child and a woman, while infrastructure damage continues to rise. The worst-hit areas include Bajaur, Buner, Upper Chitral, Shangla, Swat, and Upper Kohistan.
In Bajaur, a man and a child died in a flash flood, while one person was killed in Buner. Swat saw the most devastating incident, where a woman and five children were swept away by fast-moving floodwaters. In Upper Kohistan, another woman lost her life due to flood-related incidents.
Homes Destroyed, More Rain Forecast in KP
The PDMA also reported that two houses were completely destroyed and eight others partially damaged as a result of the torrential downpour. Rescue operations are underway in the affected districts to assist survivors and assess further damages.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (Met Office) has issued a fresh warning for more heavy rains and possible landslides in the coming days. Vulnerable districts include Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohat, and Hangu, where rising water levels in rivers and canals pose a serious threat.
Recent rainfall data shows 54 mm in Balakot, 25 mm in Parachinar, and 3 mm in Malam Jabba. Rain was also reported in Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Nowshera, and Kurram.
In Peshawar, temperatures are expected to remain high, with a minimum of 29°C and a maximum reaching up to 39°C.
