Pakistan is reeling from widespread monsoon rains and flash floods that have killed more than 400 people across multiple regions.
Hundreds of homes, roads, and bridges have been destroyed, while relief operations are underway to support affected communities.
Heavy losses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 357 people have lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The dead include 41 women and 29 children, while 178 others were injured in various rain-related accidents.
Floods and landslides also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, leaving 602 houses damaged, of which 182 were completely destroyed, displacing many families.
Also Read: Cloudburst in Swabi: 15 feared dead, 12 houses submerged
In South Waziristan, heavy rain and flash floods have washed away the Splatoi and Medina Morr bridges, as well as several acres of farmland.
Gilgit-Baltistan struggles to restore connectivity
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the death toll has risen to 14, with three people reported missing, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA).
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Relief and restoration work continues round the clock as the Baltistan Highway was cut off due to flooding at Ustak Nullah, leaving four districts isolated. The National Highway Authority worked round the clock to reopen the route, as the blockade triggered a fuel shortage in the region.
Deaths and destruction in Azad Kashmir
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that 19 people were killed in Azad Kashmir, including eight men, six women, and five children in the ongoing spell of rain, cloudbursts, and floods. At least 16 others were injured.
Also Read: Ravi, Indus rivers face flood threat after India releases water
The floods wreaked havoc on infrastructure, destroying 404 houses (87 completely), 27 shops, 13 windmills, 20 bridges, and 26 small hydropower stations. Around 24 kilometres of roads were also washed away, severely affecting mobility.
Swabi cloudburst deaths
In Swabi district, Monday's cloudburst in Dalori village killed 17 people, including children and women, out of which 13 bodies had been retrieved. Rescue teams, assisted by the Pakistan Army and TMA, deployed heavy machinery, seven excavators, six ambulances, two rescue vehicles to clear debris and search for survivors.
Also Read: Weather alert: Heavy rain forecast in Karachi until Aug 22
Rising water levels in Punjab rivers
The PDMA warned of moderate flood risks in Punjab rivers as the water level continues to increase.
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At Tarbela, water flow has reached 309,000 cusecs, experiencing a low-level flood in the Indus River, while Kalabagh and Chashma are experiencing medium-level floods with flows exceeding 440,000 cusecs and 492,000 cusecs, respectively.
- There is a moderate flood situation at Taunsa with the water flow being recorded at 489,000 cusecs.
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In the Ravi River, water flow has climbed to 53,000 cusecs, prompting a high alert for possible flooding in the next 24 hours. The water flow at Shahdara is 36,000 cusecs and the flow is normal. The expected monsoon rains may cause moderate flooding in the river.
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In Jhelum, flooding fears have risen after a pond dam breach at Kandwal, which submerged homes and roads. The Mangla Dam is currently storing water at 1,215 feet, close to its maximum capacity of 1,242 feet.
Relief operations continue nationwide
Rescue agencies, district administrations, and the armed forces are working on emergency operations across the country. Relief camps and rescue posts have been set up in affected areas, while restoration of roads, electricity, and fuel supplies remains a top priority.
