Monsoon Rains Cause Widespread Devastation Across Pakistan

Persistent monsoon rains continue to inflict damage throughout Pakistan, resulting in a rise in casualties. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the death toll has reached 252, with 611 individuals injured.

Punjab is the most severely impacted province, reporting 139 fatalities and 477 injuries, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 60 deaths and Sindh with 24 deaths. Balochistan has recorded 16 deaths, Islamabad 6, Gilgit-Baltistan 5, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir 2.

The primary reason for casualties is the collapse of houses, accounting for 143 deaths. Other causes include flash floods (41), drowning incidents (36), lightning strikes (13), electrocution (12), and landslides (4).

Cloudburst at Babusar Top

A particularly tragic event occurred at Babusar Top, where a cloudburst triggered a devastating flash flood. A family attempting to save a three-year-old boy, Abdul Hadi, was swept away. Dr. Mishal was among the deceased, having jumped into the floodwaters to rescue the child.

The incident resulted in five fatalities, including four tourists. Rescue teams are actively searching for 15 individuals still missing in the region.

Transportation Disrupted

Landslides and flooding have led to the closure of the Karakoram Highway, leaving a large number of travelers stranded.

Vehicles en route to and from Gilgit-Baltistan are halted at Oshaar Nala Dasu on both sides of the route.

Government Response

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his sorrow over the loss of life and property. He has instructed officials to accelerate rescue operations, with a focus on restoring the Karakoram Highway and Babusar-Chilas routes.

Furthermore, he has directed that shelter and sustenance be provided for stranded travelers.

In Diamer, local inhabitants residing in mud houses that were destroyed by the Babusar Thak Nala flood have also endured substantial losses. Despite their difficulties, they played a vital role in rescue operations, offering food and temporary shelter to stranded tourists, assisted by the police and district administration.

Urban Flooding in Punjab and Azad Kashmir

Across Punjab, urban flooding has been reported in several cities. In Jhelum, a cricket stadium was transformed into a pool due to heavy rainfall. In Attock, flash floods caused stormwater to enter residential areas.

In Hafizabad, residents were advised to evacuate with their livestock because of potential flooding from the Chenab River. Lahore experienced 108mm of rain, placing additional strain on drainage systems.

In Azad Kashmir, flash floods and landslides have disrupted access in various areas, including Samahni, Jhelum Valley, Neelum Valley, Leepa, Bagh, Poonch, Bhimber, and Sudhnoti. Two rivers overflowed due to a cloudburst, washing away a bridge and isolating communities.

In Islamabad, a father and son swept away in a flash flood remain missing. Only fragments of their vehicle have been recovered. Rescue efforts have broadened from a local housing society drain to Kak Pul, encountering additional obstacles due to ongoing rain and increasing water levels in the River Sawan.