PESHAWAR: Heavy monsoon rains and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc across various regions of Pakistan, resulting in the destruction of homes, bridges, vehicles, and infrastructure, with reports of casualties and widespread damage.
In Landi Kotal, a roaring flood swept away a vehicle, claiming the lives of three individuals from an Afghan family. Authorities have issued warnings to residents and tourists to stay away from rivers, streams, and flood-prone zones amid rising water levels.
Severe Impact in Neelum Valley, AJK
The most severe destruction occurred in Katha Piran, Neelum Valley, where a sudden cloudburst caused a flash flood. The torrent destroyed a mosque, a government school, six houses, 16 shops, and several vehicles, including a passenger van, two jeeps, and motorcycles. Six wooden bridges and numerous private properties suffered extensive damage.
Khyber District Faces Flooding
In Khyber District, heavy rains triggered flash floods in Landi Kotal, Bara, and Jamrud. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Highway was blocked, and a tragic incident occurred when a passenger van carrying an Afghan family was swept away in Landi Kotal, resulting in three fatalities. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies from the Jabba Khwar stream, but search operations are ongoing as more members of the family might still be missing.
Incidents in Shangla and Kaghan Valley
A passenger coach plunged into a ravine near Shangla Top, injuring 14 passengers. Meanwhile, in Kaghan Valley, floodwaters caused widespread destruction, washing away bridges, damaging dozens of houses and shops, and destroying water supply schemes, fish farms, and crops.
Damage in Siran Valley and Balakot
Floodwaters damaged three houses and a hotel in Moli Katha, Siran Valley. Landslides caused by intense rainfall disrupted traffic in Balakot and stranded several tourist vehicles.
Rescue Efforts at Malam Jabba
In Swat, a vehicle trapped in a rain-fed stream at Malam Jabba was swiftly evacuated by rescue teams and tourism police, ensuring no injuries or property loss.
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
Casualties have been reported in Landikotal, with families affected by the floods, including returning Afghan refugees needing urgent humanitarian aid. The situation remains critical, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Flood Warnings and Precautionary Measures
Authorities continue to monitor river levels across Punjab, with rising water levels in the Chenab River near Wazirabad. The National Disaster Management Authority has issued flood alerts for urban areas and streams like Khanki and Qadirabad. Most rivers are within normal limits but are expected to rise until July 24 due to persistent monsoon activity.
Warnings have been issued for streams such as Basantar, Deg, Palkhu, Bhimber, Halsey, and Dora, with residents advised to relocate to safer zones. In Zafarwal, high alert has been declared due to potential flooding of the Dek stream, with local leaders urging vigilance.
Heavy Rainfall in Punjab and Northern Cities
Lahore experienced intense rainfall, with Gulshan Ravi recording 98mm, followed by Farukhabad (46mm) and Samanabad (43mm). Other cities like Murree and Islamabad also received substantial rain, with Murree recording 100mm, causing landslides on Bostal Road, uprooting trees, and power outages near Kashmir Point.
Forecast for Next 24 Hours
The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts continued rainfall across Sindh, especially in Karachi, which is expected to remain partly cloudy with light showers later today.
