Flash Floods and Monsoon Rains Claim 64 Lives Nationwide

Severe flash floods and relentless monsoon rains have led to the deaths of at least 64 people and left 117 injured across Pakistan over the past week, according to a statement from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued on Wednesday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest fatalities, with 23 deaths, including 10 children. Reports indicate that 14 of these casualties occurred in the Swat Valley, where people were swept away by sudden floods.

In Punjab, 21 lives were lost, many due to house collapses triggered by heavy downpours. Among the victims were 11 children. Meanwhile, 15 people perished in Sindh, and five deaths were reported from Balochistan.

More Intense Monsoon Activity Expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a sharp escalation in monsoon activity beginning July 5. Widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and the risk of flash and urban flooding are expected in several regions of the country.

According to PMD, moist monsoon currents are currently entering the country and are expected to strengthen over the weekend. Additionally, a westerly weather system is projected to affect northern parts of Pakistan by July 6, further intensifying rainfall.

Rain Forecast by Region

Northern Areas: From July 5 to 10, heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Kohistan, and Chitral. In Gilgit-Baltistan, areas such as Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and Astore may also experience significant rainfall between July 6 and 10.

Punjab & Islamabad: From July 5 to 10, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and surrounding districts are expected to see widespread rain and thunderstorms. In southern Punjab, cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan will likely experience rainfall from July 6 to 8.

Sindh & Balochistan: Rain and thunderstorms are expected in southern and northeastern Balochistan—including Loralai, Khuzdar, and Lasbella—from July 3–4 and again from July 6–8. In Sindh, regions like Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, and Sukkur may receive moderate showers, with chances of isolated heavy rainfall in the southeastern belt during July 3–4.

Warnings and Advisories

Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in mountainous streams and nullahs, especially in areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, and parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Similar risks exist in Dera Ghazi Khan, northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, and select regions of Balochistan between July 5 and 8.

Urban flooding is also a concern in low-lying areas of major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar from July 6 to 8.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions from relevant authorities during the forecast period.