Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc throughout Pakistan, claiming at least 45 lives in the span of just a few days, officials reported on Sunday.
The killer spell of weather has brought about flash floods, toppled buildings, and carried off families, marking a bloody beginning to the monsoon season in Pakistan.
The worst-hit area is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 21 people have lost their lives—10 of them were innocent children. In the scenic Swat Valley alone, flash floods swept away entire families gathered near the riverbanks.
Read More: NDMA issues high alert for heavy rainfall and flooding across Pakistan
Punjab wasn’t spared either. Since Wednesday, 13 people have died, including eight children crushed under collapsing roofs and walls during intense downpours. Flash floods claimed the remaining victims in the province, as rainfall showed no signs of slowing.
Meanwhile, in the southern provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, 11 more fatalities were reported, further amplifying the nationwide toll.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) alerted that the threat of further heavy rain and flash floods is imminent till at least Saturday. The risky places are Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Swat, and various towns in KP and Balochistan, where nearby streams and hill torrents can overflow once again.
The PMD’s statement also cautioned about strong winds and lightning that may damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels. Landslides are another serious threat in hilly regions, potentially causing road blockages and cutting off communities.
Also Read: KP launches crackdown after Swat river tragedy claims 11 lives
Last month alone, 32 individuals lost their lives due to extreme weather conditions in Pakistan, with storms and hail pounding various regions. The repeated occurrence serves as evidence of the worrying fact—monsoon season in Pakistan is no longer a matter of predictable relief but a deadly test.
Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. As the monsoon season in Pakistan intensifies year after year, it brings not just rain, but growing fear, uncertainty, and tragedy.
The national weather service forecasts more showers and isolated thunderstorms in parts of Kashmir, northeast Punjab, Potohar, Islamabad, and upper KP. While some areas brace for downpours, others will face hot and humid weather in the coming days.
