The devastating monsoon season continues to claim lives as relentless heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides batter several parts of the country. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 107 people have been killed and 344 others injured in rain-related incidents since the monsoon began on June 26.
In the last 24 hours alone, the NDMA reported 11 fatalities, including seven in Punjab, two in Sindh, one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one in Gilgit-Baltistan. A total of 25 people were also injured during this period, including 20 in Punjab, three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two in Sindh.
The NDMA stated that since the start of the monsoon season on June 26, the death toll has reached 107, while 344 people have been injured. During the same period, 447 houses have been damaged, and 269 livestock have perished.
The authority has urged the public to take precautionary measures during the ongoing monsoon season and strictly follow safety advisories issued by the relevant authorities.
More rain forecast
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall across most parts of the country over the next 24 hours. It has warned of the possibility of flash flooding in hilly areas and urban flooding in low-lying regions. The department has also cautioned that strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall may damage vulnerable structures.
According to the forecast, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to receive thundershowers, with heavy rainfall likely in parts of Kashmir. Islamabad and its surrounding areas are expected to remain partly cloudy, with rain accompanied by strong winds.
Rain is also expected at isolated places in upper and central Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, while heavy rainfall is likely in parts of southeast Sindh, Kashmir, and northeastern and central Punjab.
The Meteorological Department has predicted rain in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan. Meanwhile, Karachi is expected to remain partly cloudy, with light rain likely.
India has once again used water as a weapon by releasing water from the Bhakra Dam after the Salal Dam, raising concerns over possible flooding downstream.
According to reports, the next 24 hours are considered critical, with a risk of flooding in the Sutlej River. Districts including Kasur and Okara, along with several other areas, are likely to be affected.
The flow of water in the Chenab River has also increased significantly. Moderate to high flooding is expected at Head Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Flood conditions are also developing at Head Balloki and Sulemanki, while low-level flooding is expected at Mangla and Trimmu.
Water flow at Head Panjnad has risen sharply from 17,000 cusecs to 80,000 cusecs and is expected to reach 140,000 cusecs within the next few hours.
In Jhang, floodwaters have entered nearby settlements, while several villages in Chiniot have been inundated. In Pasrur, breaches in embankments continue to cause damage, and agricultural land has been affected due to the collapse of protective dykes.
Read more: AJK poll preparations complete, polling material delivered to ROs: Chief Secretary
