ISLAMABAD: Heavy monsoon rains across Pakistan have killed more than 200 people and left hundreds injured, as flash floods wreak havoc nationwide, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Saturday.
Since the start of the monsoon season in late June, at least 202 people, including 96 children, have been killed in rain-related incidents, according to NDMA figures.
A further 560 people have been injured, among them 182 children, as the country struggles to cope with one of the deadliest wet seasons in recent years.
Punjab has suffered the highest death toll, reporting 123 fatalities, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 40, Sindh with 21, Balochistan with 16, and Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which each reported one fatality.
The NDMA said the causes of death included house collapses (118 deaths), flash floods (30 deaths), and other rain-related incidents such as drowning, lightning strikes, electrocution, and landslides.
Widespread destruction
In Rawalpindi, flash floods have inundated low-lying neighbourhoods including Dhamial, Hathi Chowk, and Morgah, sweeping through homes, streets, and marketplaces.
In areas like Tench Bhata and Fauji Colony, floodwaters rose to rooftop level, forcing residents to evacuate hastily and abandon their belongings.
In Faisalabad, a city also hard hit by the downpour, 11 people died and 60 were injured in 33 rain-related incidents over just two days.
Most of the casualties occurred when weakened structures collapsed. Many affected residents said they lacked the means to carry out necessary repairs before the onset of the monsoon.
Infrastructure in ruins
The heavy rainfall has severely damaged infrastructure, particularly in Punjab.
In Chakwal, more than 32 roads were washed away after receiving over 450 millimetres of rain, disrupting transport and isolating several communities.
In nearby Khewal village, the collapse of homes killed multiple residents, including a father and his son. Communications in the area remain disrupted, and electricity is yet to be restored in many villages.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing. Following instructions from the Chief Minister of Punjab, heavy machinery has been deployed to reopen roads and restore connectivity in affected districts.
Ongoing risk
The NDMA has warned of continued risk in flood-prone regions as the monsoon rains are forecast to persist in the coming days.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow evacuation notices where issued.
