Islamabad: At least 104 people have lost their lives and 200 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Pakistan since June 26, as the country grapples with the ongoing monsoon spell.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released updated figures detailing the human and infrastructural toll of the extreme weather.
According to a spokesperson for the NDMA, the fatalities include 49 children, 37 men, and 18 women. Torrential rains and subsequent flooding have triggered numerous accidents and structural collapses in both urban and rural areas.
In addition to the loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure has been reported.
Around 10.5 kilometres of roads have been affected, while nine bridges sustained damage. The rains have also taken a heavy toll on housing, with 135 houses completely destroyed and 278 others partially damaged.
Livestock losses have also been significant, with 111 animals reported dead.
The NDMA has directed all relevant provincial and local authorities to accelerate relief and emergency operations in the affected regions. The authority emphasised the need to take proactive steps to minimise further losses in the coming days, as more rainfall is forecast in several parts of the country.
“The scale of destruction shows the urgency with which we need to respond, both in terms of immediate relief and long-term climate resilience,” an NDMA official noted.
New monsoon spell hits Pakistan
A fresh spell of monsoon has entered Pakistan – bringing with it the risk of flooding in various parts of the country – the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial disaster management bodies have warned.
According to the NDMA, widespread thundershowers are expected from July 13 to 17 across several regions, including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Kashmir, and eastern Balochistan.
The downpour, under the influence of an active monsoon system, may lead to both riverine and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted significant rainfall over the coming days, prompting the NDMA to issue a heavy rain and flood alert for most urban and mountainous areas.
In a statement, the NDMA said that rising water levels are anticipated in the Kabul, Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers, while moderate flooding could occur at Tarbela, Kala Bagh, Chashma, and Taunsa. The authority has also warned of potential light flooding in Guddu Barrage, as well as in the upstream regions of Marala and Khanki on the Chenab and in Nowshera along the Kabul River.
Additional alerts have been issued for Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, where mountain rain drains are likely to witness high water flow. Localised flash floods are also expected in Swat, Panjkora, and nearby streams, while southern and western Balochistan—particularly Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, and Kalat—may experience sudden flooding.
