ISLAMABAD: The ongoing monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding, landslides and destruction in several parts of Pakistan, with the Meteorological Department warning that the current series will continue for another one to two days.
Another severe weather system is expected to hit the country early next week, after a brief hiatus.
According to Irfan Virk, deputy director of the Meteorological Department, heavy rains have been forecast in some areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, northeast Punjab and central Punjab. He warned that the continuous rains could cause urban flooding in cities and landslides in hilly areas.
Early morning rains in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi led to the overflowing of the Korang Nallah, where a motorcyclist named Mohsin was swept away. Rescue teams are continuing the search but have not found any trace yet.
The heavy rains inundated houses in low-lying areas near the Nallah. While the water has been drained, thick mud has blocked roads, making it difficult for residents to travel. Roads in the surrounding areas remain closed, adding to the chaos.
Meanwhile, a cloudburst in Muzaffarabad has caused havoc, destroying several houses and sweeping away dozens of cattle. Landslides in the Lipa Valley have blocked the highway, isolating remote areas. Similar damage was reported in Sarai Naimat Khan (Haripur), where roads were washed away.
In Abbottabad, rivers and canals overflowed, inundating nearby settlements. Bhimber and Neelum also received heavy rains, adding to the ongoing crisis.
In Diamer, flash floods caused severe flooding in the Batoga and Khanar canals, destroying fields, livestock, and even infrastructure and a key link bridge.
Monsoon rains have also affected cities like Sialkot, Jhelum, Attock, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Hassan Abdal, Pindi Bhattian, Muridke, Daska and Ferozwala where waterlogging and drainage problems were reported on a large scale.
Despite the devastation, the monsoon has brought relief from the scorching summer heat. With the ongoing spell of monsoon expected to continue till July 13, authorities have urged citizens to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone and hilly areas.
Meanwhile, according to data released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the highest rainfall in Punjab was recorded in Khanewal at 51 mm, followed by Sahiwal at 44 mm, Rawalpindi at 42 mm and Murree at 41 mm. Lahore recorded 23 mm while Okara and Mandi Bahauddin recorded 30 and 27 mm respectively.
PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has warned of more heavy rains in the next 24 hours and urged citizens to stay away from rivers, canals and streams.
“Section 144 has been imposed around water bodies to prevent any untoward incidents,” Mr. Kathia said. “People should avoid bathing in open water bodies and should not stay in mud or dilapidated structures during this period.”
Confirming the continuation of monsoon activities, the Meteorological Department said that strong winds, thundershowers and heavy rains are likely in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Islamabad.
36 mm of rain was recorded in Islamabad, 26 mm in Lahore and 23 mm in Sheikhupura. Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also received rain, including Balakot (40 mm), Malam Jabba (28 mm) and Kakol (13 mm), while Bagrot area of Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 7 mm of rain.
In a separate alert, the NDMA has warned of possible flooding in northern rivers and streams in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Hunza, Shegar, Khunjerab, Haspar, Baraldo and Hoshe. Authorities have advised both tourists and locals to be cautious and avoid unnecessary travel near river banks.
Due to incessant rains and snowmelt, landslides are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Astore, Diamer, Hunza and Ganchhe, as well as several districts of Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Rawalakot, the NDMA said.
