Monsoon rains claim 657 lives, leave 929 injured across Pakistan: NDMA
Monsoon intensity 50% higher, 3 more spells expected by Sept: NDMA chief
Heavy downpours, flash floods likely across Pakistan in next 24 hours
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: At least 657 people, including 392 men, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Pakistan since June 26, while 929 others have been injured, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The casualties have resulted from widespread monsoon rains, flash floods, and associated hazards affecting multiple regions. The NDMA said it is working closely with provincial authorities to accelerate relief and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas.
The national death toll from rain-related incidents has climbed to 657 since June 26, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bearing the brunt of the devastation, official data reveals.
Of the total nationwide casualties, 171 were children, 94 were women, and 392 were men.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone accounted for 390 deaths, including 288 men, 59 children, and 43 women — underscoring the province’s disproportionate vulnerability to seasonal downpours and related hazards.
In Punjab, 164 people have died in rain-related incidents since June 26, with children comprising the largest share of casualties. The province reported 70 child fatalities, alongside 63 men and 31 women, mostly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Sindh has recorded 28 deaths linked to ongoing monsoon activity, including 14 children, 10 men, and 4 women. Authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to exercise caution as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 20 people have died in Balochistan, including 11 children, 5 men, and 4 women. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the death toll has reached 32, comprising 18 men, 6 women, and 8 children.
Balochistan reported 20 fatalities, including 11 children, 5 men, and 4 women.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, 32 deaths were recorded — 18 men, 8 children, and 6 women.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir saw 15 casualties, evenly split among 5 children, 5 men, and 5 women.
An additional 8 deaths occurred in rain-related incidents in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), comprising 4 children, 3 men, and 1 woman.
A total of 929 people were injured in recent flood-related incidents across Pakistan, with men accounting for 437 cases, children 256, and women 236. In Punjab’s flood-hit areas, 582 individuals sustained injuries, including 225 men, 182 women, and 175 children. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 245 injured, comprising 161 men, 45 children, and 39 women.
In Sindh, a total of 40 individuals were injured, including 27 children, 7 men, and 6 women. In Balochistan, four people sustained injuries—among them 2 men, 1 woman, and 1 child.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, 31 people were injured, including 27 men, 3 children, and 1 woman. From Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 24 injuries have been reported so far—comprising 15 men, 6 women, and 3 children. In Islamabad Capital Territory, three individuals sustained injuries, including 2 children and 1 woman.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the current active monsoon system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across the country over the next 24 hours, with a high risk of urban flooding and landslides in several regions.
The federal capital is set to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with occasional breaks, the NDMA said in a handout.
In Punjab, widespread thunderstorms are expected. The Potohar and northeastern districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Lahore, and Sialkot, are on high alert for urban flooding due to heavy rainfall. Scattered thunderstorms are also forecast for central and southern districts, with isolated light rain expected in areas like Bahawalpur, Multan and Rahim Yar Khan.
Northern and upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Buner, and Mansehra, are at risk of flash floods and landslides from heavy rainfall. The Peshawar valley and southern districts like DI Khan and Bannu can also expect scattered to heavy rainfall.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is bracing for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in districts like Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, which may trigger landslides and flash floods. Isolated rainfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), with a risk of debris flows and local flooding in valleys.
In Sindh, coastal areas including Karachi, Thatta, and Badin will see intermittent showers and thunderstorms, while central and upper regions are likely to experience isolated to scattered moderate to heavy rainfall under hot and humid conditions. In Balochistan, eastern and coastal districts such as Lasbela, Khuzdar, and Gwadar are expecting scattered rainfall, with isolated light rain in northern and central parts of the province.
The local administrations and citizens are advised to take all necessary precautions.
Earlier, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik warned that three more monsoon spells are expected in the coming weeks, with rainfall intensity forecast to be 50 percent higher than normal.
“Urban flooding is likely in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other major cities,” the NDMA chairman stated.
He confirmed that 313 lives have been lost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts, including Buner, Bajaur and Battagram, while additional deaths were reported from Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad.
Haider noted that the monsoon system, expanded by extreme summer heat, will continue until early September. He added that surveys will be conducted to assess damages, and restoration of communication infrastructure will be prioritised.
Relief packages will be distributed in high-casualty districts, while search operations for missing persons are ongoing, he said. The NDMA will also coordinate with the Communications and Housing ministries for infrastructure rehabilitation.
