Heavy monsoon rains have caused significant loss of life and property across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with authorities issuing urgent alerts for the rest of the country. At least 12 people have been killed and 18 injured in rain and flood-related incidents in the province over the past 48 hours, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The PDMA reported that flash floods damaged 18 houses, of which 15 were partially affected and three were completely destroyed. The worst-hit areas include Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Chitral, Lower Dir, Hazara Division, Kurram, and North Waziristan. District administrations have been instructed to provide immediate relief supplies to affected families.
Nationwide Flood Alert
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-level alert for flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, and rising river levels across several regions from July 21 to 24. Authorities in all provinces have been directed to stay on high alert and prepare emergency response teams.
NDMA warned of possible flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan. Specific rivers at risk include the Jhelum, Neelum, Chenab, Swat, Kabul, and Panjkora. Urban flooding is expected in major cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sialkot.
In mountainous regions, the NDMA has issued a separate landslide alert for Chitral and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan until July 23. Several roads, including Jaglot-Skardu, may face blockages due to falling rocks and debris.
The authorities are advising citizens to avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams, stay away from low-lying areas, and strictly follow official safety guidelines. People living in vulnerable zones have been asked to move to safer locations with their livestock and valuables.
Emergency teams have been pre-positioned, and continuous monitoring of rivers and weather patterns is underway. The government is urging people to remain vigilant during this monsoon spell to prevent further loss of life.
This situation highlights the urgent need for better disaster preparedness as Pakistan faces increasingly severe weather events every year.
