Islamabad: Heavy monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 107 people and injured 344 others across Pakistan since the start of the rainy season in late June, authorities said on Sunday, as forecasters warned of another spell of heavy rainfall later this week.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the deaths were caused by rain-related incidents, including flash floods, roof collapses and house collapses, with more than half of the fatalities linked to buildings giving way during intense downpours.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province recorded the highest number of deaths at 55, followed by Punjab with 36. Hundreds of homes have also been damaged, forcing authorities to step up emergency relief efforts in the worst-hit areas.
In Lahore, the capital of Punjab province and Pakistan’s second-largest city, officials have established at least 17 flood relief camps to accommodate residents evacuated from inundated neighbourhoods. Provincial authorities said large parts of Lahore and nearby Gujranwala remain under water after days of relentless rain.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the emergency responders and rescue teams had been deployed across the province to evacuate residents, clear floodwaters and assist affected communities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said no major flood-generating weather activity is expected until Tuesday. However, it warned that a fresh wet spell is likely to begin on Wednesday across Islamabad, upper Punjab, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, increasing the risk of further flooding.
The weather department said the Ravi River is flowing at a medium flood level, while most other major rivers remain at normal to low flood levels. Officials said river conditions will be closely monitored as additional rainfall is expected later in the week.
Pakistan experiences severe monsoon flooding almost every year, with rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage systems and unplanned settlements increasing the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert as the monsoon season is expected to continue until September.
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