ISLAMABAD – At least 111 people, including 53 children, have lost their lives across Pakistan since the onset of monsoon rains in late June, according to official data released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Electrocution has emerged as the leading cause of death, followed by flash floods that continue to wreak havoc in urban and rural areas. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in late June when 13 tourists were swept away while sheltering on a raised riverbank.
☔ Torrential Rain Warnings from July 14–17
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued fresh red alerts as a low-pressure system from northwest India prepares to enter Pakistan, intensifying monsoon activity between July 15 and 17.
Combined with a westerly wave, this weather pattern is forecast to unleash very heavy to extremely heavy rains in parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, raising risks of:
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Urban flooding in low-lying areas
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Landslides and mudslides in hilly regions
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Flash floods in nullahs and streams
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Road closures and travel disruptions
Sindh, including Karachi, will witness sporadic rainfall and high humidity, with some southern districts likely to see heavy showers and thunderstorms.
⚠️ Regions Under Threat
Here’s a quick overview of high-risk regions and expected weather:
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Azad Kashmir: Widespread rain and thundershowers
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Gilgit-Baltistan: Isolated heavy falls, especially in Diamir and Skardu
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KP: Intense rainfall from Dir to Dera Ismail Khan
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Punjab: Heavy showers in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Multan, and Bahawalpur divisions
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Balochistan: Rainfall in Quetta, Lasbela, Zhob, and Khuzdar
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Sindh: Downpours in Tharparkar, Larkana, Sukkur, and Shaheed Benazirabad
🛑 Advisory for Public and Authorities
Authorities have urged citizens to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas
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Secure loose infrastructure and stay away from power lines
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Keep updated with local weather alerts
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Prepare emergency kits in flood-prone zones
Disaster management units have been placed on high alert, while emergency response plans have been activated in several districts.
🌍 Climate Change & Pakistan’s Vulnerability
Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, is among the most climate-vulnerable nations. The 2022 floods, triggered by historic monsoon rains, submerged one-third of the country and killed 1,700 people. Many affected areas are still struggling to recover.
While monsoon rains remain crucial for agriculture and water supplies, climate shifts have made them more erratic and dangerous. Experts warn that changing weather patterns will continue to test Pakistan’s infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
