Another powerful spell of the monsoon season has gripped Pakistan, unleashing torrential rains across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, causing widespread devastation.
In Swabi, a devastating cloudburst in Darwodi killed at least 15 people and injured many others, with authorities warning the death toll could rise. Police said dozens of houses were submerged, forcing residents to seek shelter on rooftops. Rescue teams evacuated more than 70 stranded people.
Floodwaters also entered homes in Razaar, Lahore, and Topi tehsils, while landslides struck hilly areas. A school wall collapsed in Tordher, and a van was submerged. Deputy Commissioner Swabi confirmed widespread damage, adding that rescue teams from Haripur and Mardan had been deployed.
Elsewhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a couple was killed when the roof of their house collapsed in Nowshera, while in Peshawar, heavy rains caused drains to overflow, inundating roads and markets. In Swat, streams overflowed after continuous downpours. Haripur’s flash floods swept away bridges, trees, and vehicles, cutting off the Karakoram Highway.
In Rawalakot, landslides and flash floods blocked roads and flooded homes, prompting authorities to urge citizens to avoid travel. In Haripur’s Shah Maqsood area, a van was swept away by floods, though no casualties were reported. Rising water levels at Khanpur Dam forced the opening of spillways.
Punjab also faced heavy rains Multan’s roads were submerged, Chakwal’s low-lying areas were flooded, while Vehari, DG Khan, and Koh-e-Suleman reported flooding. In Murree, thunderstorms and dense fog caused power outages, compounding residents’ difficulties. Karachi witnessed early morning showers that provided temporary relief from the heat.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of further cloudbursts in Punjab, Hazara division, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan, advising citizens and tourists to stay away from riversides and vulnerable areas.
According to the Met Office, the current monsoon spell will persist until August 23, with more heavy rains expected in the coming weeks.
