ISLAMABAD: Monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 271 people across Pakistan since the start of the current rainy season, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Saturday, as the country braces for another wave of heavy rainfall in the coming week.
According to a situation report issued by the NDMA, torrential rains between June 26 and July 26 have left 271 people dead and 655 injured nationwide.
Among the deceased are 132 children, 93 men, and 46 women. The most severely affected region is Punjab, which has reported 145 fatalities and 514 injuries.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 63 deaths, followed by Sindh with 25, Balochistan with 20, Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 2, and Islamabad with 8 fatalities, the NDMA report stated.
In addition to the human toll, widespread damage to infrastructure and property has been reported.
At least 1,191 houses have been partially or completely damaged, 12 bridges destroyed, and 367 livestock swept away by floodwaters.
PMD forecasts heavy rainfall
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more monsoon rains in the coming days, driven by intensifying weather systems and a westerly wave expected to enter the country on 29 July.
The PMD stated on Saturday that rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, is likely across most parts of the country from 28 to 31 July.
The weather department has issued warnings for possible flash flooding in streams and nullahs, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Islamabad, and Kashmir.
In Punjab, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said that a fifth spell of monsoon rains will begin on 28 July and continue until 31 July, affecting most districts including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Multan.
The PDMA has urged residents to remain alert, especially those in vulnerable and flood-prone areas.
The PMD further advised travellers and tourists to avoid unnecessary movement in hilly and flood-affected areas and called on local administrations to take preventive measures.
Floods damage in Gilgit-Baltistan
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, on Saturday said recent floods and rains have caused approximately Rs20 billion in damage in the region.
Speaking at a press conference, he confirmed that 10 people had died and that essential infrastructure, including roads, water supply systems, and telecommunications networks, had been severely affected.
CM Khan said around 22 kilometres of roads had been washed away and urged the federal government to declare Gilgit-Baltistan a disaster-hit region.
He also requested urgent financial assistance of Rs7 billion to begin relief and recovery operations, adding that a formal request had been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Relief efforts remain ongoing in multiple affected areas, with authorities warning that continued rainfall could worsen the situation.
The NDMA, PMD, and provincial agencies have advised the public to stay updated through official channels and follow safety guidelines.
The monsoon season in Pakistan typically lasts from late June to early September and often brings widespread flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Climate experts have long warned that extreme weather events in the region are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
