Ongoing monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction in several parts of Pakistan, with the Meteorological Department warning that the current spell will continue for one to two more days.
Another intense weather system is expected to hit the country early next week, following a brief pause.
According to Met Office Deputy Director Irfan Virk, heavy downpours are forecast for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, northeast Punjab, and some parts of central Punjab. He cautioned that the persistent rainfall may cause urban flooding in cities and landslides in mountainous regions.
In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, early morning downpours led to flooding in Korang Nullah, where a motorcyclist named Mohsin was swept away. Rescue teams continue the search, but no trace has been found so far.
The torrential rain flooded homes in low-lying areas near the drain. While the water has been drained out, thick mud has blocked streets, making transportation difficult for residents. Roads surrounding the area remain clogged, adding to the chaos.
Meanwhile, Muzaffarabad witnessed devastation due to a cloudburst that destroyed multiple homes and swept away dozens of cattle. In Leepa Valley, landslides have closed the highway, isolating remote areas. Similar damage was reported in Sarai Naimat Khan (Haripur), where roads have been washed away.
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In Abbottabad, rivers and canals overflowed, inundating nearby settlements. Bhimbher and Neelum also saw heavy rainfall, adding to the ongoing crisis.
In Diamer, flash floods caused severe flooding in Batoga and Khanar canals, destroying farms, livestock, and even infrastructure and a crucial connecting bridge.
Monsoon rains have also impacted cities like Sialkot, Jhelum, Attock, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Hassan Abdal, Pindi Bhattian, Muridke, Daska, and Ferozwala, where waterlogging and drainage issues were widely reported.
Despite the destruction, the monsoon has provided relief from the intense summer heat. The ongoing monsoon spell is expected to continue until July 13, with authorities urging citizens to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone and hilly areas.
Meanwhile, according to data released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the highest rainfall in Punjab was recorded in Khanewal at 51mm, followed by Sahiwal (44mm), Rawalpindi (42mm), and Murree (41mm). Lahore received 23mm of rain, while Okara and Mandi Bahauddin recorded 30mm and 27mm, respectively.
PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has warned of more heavy showers in the coming 24 hours, urging citizens to stay away from rivers, canals, and streams.
Also Read: NDMA issues flood, landslide alerts across country
“Section 144 has been imposed around vulnerable water bodies to prevent any untoward incidents,” said Mr Kathia. “People should avoid bathing in open water channels and must not reside in mud or dilapidated structures during this period.”
The Meteorological Department confirmed the continuation of monsoon activity, stating that strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy downpours are expected in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Islamabad.
Islamabad recorded 36mm of rain, followed by 26mm in Lahore and 23mm in Sheikhupura. Rainfall was also observed in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Balakot (40mm), Malam Jabba (28mm), and Kakul (13mm), while Gilgit-Baltistan’s Bagrot region reported 7mm of rain.
The NDMA, in a separate alert, warned of potential flooding in northern rivers and streams, including Hunza, Shegar, Khunjerab, Haspar, Baraldo, and Hoshe in Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities have advised both tourists and locals to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks.
“Due to persistent rainfall and glacial melting, landslides are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Astore, Diamer, Hunza, and Ganche, as well as several districts in Azad Kashmir including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Rawalakot,” the NDMA stated.
