As heavy monsoon rains persist across several regions of Pakistan, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a flood warning. This follows a forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicting widespread rainfall across the province and other parts of the country. Torrential rains have already caused significant damage, including the tragic loss of seven lives in Dera Ismail Khan, where powerful winds and roof collapses have injured dozens more. Emergency services are on high alert, with hospitals in affected areas instructed to provide immediate medical care.
FLOOD AND LANDSLIDING WARNINGS
According to the PDMA, the continuous downpour is likely to swell streams and rivers in areas such as Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Mardan. Urban flooding is expected in low-lying regions of Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan. Additionally, there is a high risk of landslides in mountainous districts, which could isolate remote communities by cutting off road access. Strong winds accompanying the rain are posing a threat to fragile structures including mud houses, electricity poles, solar panels, and roadside billboards.
Local administrations, rescue agencies, and police forces have been directed to remain vigilant, while the public is being advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near rivers and hill areas. Tourists have also been cautioned against visiting vulnerable locations until the weather conditions stabilize.
Flash Floods Hit Islamabad, Punjab and Northern Pakistan
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, hours of relentless rain led to flash floods in streams and drains, particularly affecting the Bhara Kahu area where homes and shops were inundated and vehicles stranded. Several hiking trails in the Margalla Hills, including Trails 2 to 5 and the route behind Saidpur village, have been closed for public safety.
The PMD has forecast continued rainfall in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, north-eastern Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Balochistan and Sindh. There is growing concern over the rising water levels in major rivers including the Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej, and Jhelum. In Punjab, the PDMA has specifically warned about the high water flow in the Sutlej River near Ganda Singh Wala, which is expected to stay elevated for the next 48 hours.
RESCUE UNITS
Rescue units have been pre-deployed in sensitive zones, while announcements through mosques and local authorities are being used to alert communities in danger zones. The PDMA is urging people to remain cautious and contact emergency helpline 1129 in case of urgent need. The threat of medium to high-level flooding and flash floods remains high in northern and north-eastern regions of the country.
