Monsoon spell batters KP and Punjab as Pakistan’s rain death toll surpasses 650

Islamabad: Pakistan is reeling from one of its deadliest monsoon seasons in recent memory, with devastating rains and flash floods claiming at least 657 lives since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Over 920 people have also been reported injured amid widespread structural damage and displacement across the country.

The latest spell of torrential rains, forecast to continue intermittently until August 21, has battered large swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, triggering landslides, lightning strikes, cloudbursts, and flash floods.

In KP alone, 373 people have lost their lives and 156 others have been injured, as per the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Among the dead are 274 men, 30 women, and 21 children. The injured include 123 men, 23 women, and 10 children. A total of 336 houses have been damaged—233 partially and 106 completely destroyed.

The Buner district remains the worst affected, with 217 fatalities reported so far. Other hard-hit districts include Swat, Bajaur, Mansehra, Shangla, Lower Dir, and Battagram.

On special directives from KP Chief Minister, 89 trucks carrying relief supplies have been dispatched to the affected areas. The aid includes tents, mattresses, bedding, kitchen sets, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, generators, and other essential items.

Additionally, Rs. 800 million in relief funds have been allocated to local administrations, with Buner receiving Rs. 500 million due to the scale of destruction.

The PDMA Emergency Operations Center is fully operational, and citizens are encouraged to call the toll-free helpline 1700 for emergency assistance or weather updates.

In Punjab, 164 people have died, including 70 children, 63 men, and 31 women. Other provinces have also faced significant losses: Sindh has reported 28 deaths (14 children), Balochistan 20 deaths (mostly children), Gilgit-Baltistan 32 deaths, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 15, and Islamabad Capital Territory eight.

Authorities across Pakistan are on high alert as relief efforts continue amid warnings of further rainfall. The NDMA and provincial agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions.

Rising River Levels Prompt Flood Warnings Across Pakistan

Rain-swollen rivers have prompted flood warnings along the Indus River, with medium-level flooding recorded at several key locations. Authorities have issued evacuation instructions for vulnerable settlements near riverbanks as water levels continue to rise.

In Mianwali, medium flood levels were observed at Kalabagh, Jinnah Barrage, and Chashma Barrage. At Jinnah Barrage, water inflow reached 439,586 cusecs, with an outflow of 422,586 cusecs. Chashma Barrage recorded an inflow of 483,512 cusecs and an outflow of 466,312 cusecs.

Further downstream, in Kot Addu, the Indus River at Taunsa Barrage also rose to medium flood levels, with the Irrigation Department reporting inflows of 454,356 cusecs and outflows of 453,856 cusecs.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, medium flood conditions persist at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa barrages, while the Guddu Barrage is currently experiencing low flood levels. The Sutlej River remains in low flood at Head Sulemanki and Ganda Singh Wala.

Reservoir levels are rising rapidly. Tarbela Dam is now at 97% capacity, with water levels at 1,546.60 feet. Mangla Dam stands at 71% capacity, with a current level of 1,213 feet. Meanwhile, water flows in the Kabul River at Nowshera and in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers remain within normal ranges.

Minor flooding continues in tributaries of the Ravi River, including Nullah Aik and Nullah Dek, while the Nari River in Sibi and hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are flowing normally.

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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast continued heavy rain and thunderstorms through August 19. At least three more wet spells are expected, with the next likely to begin after August 22. Areas most at risk include Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.