Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan—Monsoon rains have claimed the lives of 24 people and injured 17 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The torrential rains, which began on July 29 and continued through Thursday, have wreaked havoc across the province.
According to a report released by the PDMA, the heavy rainfall caused flood basins to overflow, rivers to burst their banks, and natural drainage systems to fail, resulting in widespread flooding. The most tragic incidents occurred in Kohat, where 10 people, including six children, perished due to roof collapses and other rain-related accidents.
“The district administration, along with Rescue 1122 and local volunteers, recovered the bodies,” stated the report. In response to the disaster, authorities distributed non-food items (NFIs) such as tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and hygiene kits to affected families.
Upper Chitral has seen significant infrastructural damage, with 107 homes either fully or partially destroyed by flash floods. Across the province, 150 houses were affected, with 77 partially damaged and 73 completely destroyed.
Flash floods and house collapses have also been reported in Hangu, Haripur, Mansehra, Lower Dir, Charsadda, Mohmand, Bajaur, and Abbottabad. In addition, landslides were reported in Abbottabad, compounding the crisis.
A weather warning from the PDMA indicates that another series of monsoon showers is expected to persist intermittently until August 6. The warning predicts “scattered heavy with isolated very heavy falls” across several districts, including Dir, Bajaur, Chitral, Swat, Buner, Malakand, and many others. It also warns of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas and flash floods in local streams in regions like Galliyat, Mansehra, and Kohistan.
Tourists are advised against traveling to these areas as relief efforts are underway. The PDMA, district administrations, and relief teams are actively engaged in providing aid and support to those affected.
Pakistan’s monsoon season typically spans July and August, bringing an average of 255mm of rainfall per month. The country has experienced devastating monsoon impacts in recent years. In 2022, for instance, the rains destroyed over 75,000 homes and partially damaged 130,000 more in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, according to government and international aid agencies.
