Another powerful monsoon spell has battered Pakistan, unleashing torrential rains across several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions.
In Swabi, a deadly cloudburst in Darwodi killed at least 15 people and injured many others, with fears of a higher toll as dozens of houses were submerged.
Over 70 stranded residents were rescued, while floodwaters entered homes in Razaar, Lahore, and Topi tehsils. Landslides struck hilly areas, a school wall collapsed in Tordher, and an entire van was swept away. Rescue teams from Haripur and Mardan have been deployed to assist.
In Nowshera, a roof collapse claimed two lives, while heavy downpours in Peshawar inundated major roads and markets. Flash floods in Haripur cut off the Karakoram Highway, washed away bridges and trees, and forced the opening of Khanpur Dam’s spillways as water levels rose dangerously.
In Swat’s upper reaches, overflowing streams triggered flooding, while in Rawalakot, landslides and flash floods blocked roads and inundated houses.
Punjab also endured heavy rains, with Multan’s roads waterlogged and low-lying areas in Chakwal, Vehari, DG Khan, and Koh-e-Suleman submerged. Murree was hit by thunderstorms, dense fog, power outages, and heavy rains, while early morning showers in Karachi brought brief respite from the heat.
The NDMA has warned of more cloudbursts in Punjab, Hazara division, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan, advising people and tourists to avoid riversides and vulnerable areas.
The Met Office has forecast that the current spell will persist until August 23, with further monsoon activity expected in the weeks ahead.