Tragedy Strikes: Eleven Family Members Die in Flash Flood in Kohat

Pakistan is currently grappling with the impact of a powerful monsoon system, which has unleashed heavy rains across multiple cities and led to a series of devastating incidents. In Kohat, a severe flash flood swept into a residential home, tragically resulting in the deaths of 11 people. This disaster has been exacerbated by ongoing monsoon rains that have brought about widespread flooding and damage throughout the country.

The monsoon rains have also caused significant fatalities in other regions. In Nagarparkar and Chachhro, lightning strikes resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including two women and a child.

This severe weather has also led to the loss of over 50 livestock animals in these areas. Additionally, in Rawalpindi, heavy rainfall has contributed to three fatalities due to electrocution and a roof collapse. A similar tragedy struck Azad Kashmir, where one person lost their life amid the torrential downpours.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings about the potential for over 200 millimeters of rainfall in various districts.

There are growing concerns about possible flooding in Karachi, as the meteorological department has forecasted a continuation of heavy rains throughout the southern, northern, and central parts of Pakistan.

In response, the NDMA has alerted provincial disaster management authorities and other relevant agencies to prepare for further impacts.

The heavy rains have resulted in widespread flooding in Sindh and Punjab, with several districts in Punjab experiencing severe inundation.

Areas in Balochistan, including Ziarat, Sanjawi, Duki, Harnai, Loralai, and Quetta, have also been affected, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms creating flood-like conditions in streams and nullahs. The intense downpours have damaged solar panels and signboards, exacerbating the region’s challenges.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts such as South Waziristan, Mansehra, and Swabi have witnessed heavy rains that have caused rivers and streams to overflow, leading to water entering homes and posing a risk of landslides in the upper areas, including the Kaghan Valley.

The situation in Azad Kashmir has been particularly dire, with intense monsoon rains causing severe disruption. Key areas, including Mirpur-Kotli road, Neelum Valley, Guras, Bagh district, Dhirkot, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Samahni, Sudhanoti, and Bhimber, have experienced significant flooding of rivers and streams. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted further heavy rainfall in Kashmir, Malakand, Hazara, and Gujranwala Division regions.

In Rawalpindi, the heavy rainfall has led to flooding in low-lying areas, turning streets and roads into lakes. Areas such as Waris Khan, Circular Road, and Chakra have been submerged, prompting the district administration to evacuate residents from vulnerable neighborhoods.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has declared a rain emergency and is using heavy machinery to conduct dewatering operations. In Shakarganj, six individuals have died, and four have been injured due to lightning strikes.

The Federal Interior Minister has instructed the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to mobilize field teams for dewatering operations in Islamabad.

In Dara Adamkhel, a tribal area, the heavy rainfall has also caused destruction, with a flash flood from the hills sweeping away the occupants of a house as they slept.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of 10 individuals from the Bazee Khel area, though a 5-year-old girl remains missing, and search efforts continue.