Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Pakistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring 14 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two days. Widespread flooding, damaged infrastructure, and rising river levels disrupted daily life in several provinces. Authorities have warned that more heavy rainfall is likely until July 24, urging residents to remain cautious.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the victims included six men, five children, and one woman, while the injured comprised eight men, two women, and five children. The rains also damaged 14 houses, destroying one completely and partially damaging 13 others. The affected districts include Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Lower Chitral, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Torghar, and Kurram.
Heavy rain also caused severe disruption across Punjab, where Lahore experienced widespread waterlogging in residential and commercial areas. Floodwater stranded vehicles at Hussain Chowk, while one person died from electrocution in Bhattian. Meanwhile, another sinkhole appeared on Khayaban-e-Firdowsi, disrupting traffic despite earlier repair work on the sewerage system.
Gujranwala recorded its heaviest rainfall in a decade, leaving roads submerged and bringing traffic to a standstill. A 25-year-old man died after touching an electric pole in floodwater, while a house roof and a rice mill also collapsed, killing one worker and injuring several others. In Gujrat, nearly 150mm of rainfall flooded roads, markets, homes, and shops, forcing authorities to accelerate drainage operations.
Heavy rain triggered multiple accidents in Mandi Bahauddin, injuring six people, including four women, after roofs, walls, and sheds collapsed. In Nowshera, rescue teams evacuated 12 trapped residents from flooded areas and safely rescued several others stranded by flash floods. Officials also recovered 14 vehicles trapped in rising water without reporting any casualties.
Authorities have also placed Jhang and Shakargarh on high alert after rising water levels increased the risk of flooding. Rescue teams launched operations to evacuate stranded farmers, while officials advised residents to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas until July 24. Emergency field posts have also been established to respond quickly to any worsening situation.
The Flood Forecasting Division reported low-level flooding at several key locations as water inflows continued to rise. Tarbela recorded 302,000 cusecs, Kalabagh received 283,000 cusecs, and Mangla Dam registered 102,000 cusecs. Additional low-level flooding was also reported at Head Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad, prompting continuous monitoring.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said river flows remain normal across most of the province despite isolated flooding. However, officials warned that continued rainfall could worsen conditions in vulnerable areas. They urged citizens to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel as rescue and relief teams remain on high alert.
