Authorities issue red alert as heavy monsoon rains cause floods, landslides

According to NDMA, at least 216 people have died, 582 injured since onset of monsoon season on June 26

Listen to article

LAHORE:

Authorities across Pakistan have issued a red alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash wide swaths of the country, triggering flash floods, landslides, and rising river levels.

The downpour—expected to intensify through July 25—has already claimed at least 13 lives in the past 24 hours, with dozens injured, according to official figures.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts persistent rain and thunderstorms across upper and central regions, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan.

Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and other hilly areas. Urban flooding is also anticipated in low-lying parts of major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 216 people have died and 582 injured since the onset of the monsoon season on June 26. Over 770 homes have reportedly collapsed due to rain-related incidents.

In Punjab, the fourth spell of monsoon rains is underway, prompting emergency alerts from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

Authorities have warned that this spell could be more intense than previous ones, with high-impact rainfall expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Chakwal, Gujrat, and other central and northern districts. Southern regions such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Multan are also bracing for storms.

Rising water levels in major rivers have raised concerns about potential flooding. The PDMA has issued warnings regarding increased flow in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. The Indus River has already reached medium flood levels at Taunsa, with flow surpassing 420,000 cusecs. Low-level flooding is also being observed at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.

As a precaution, emergency response teams have been deployed to key locations. Rescue 1122 has mobilised boats and staff in flood-prone areas, while the health department has established medical camps. In Lahore’s Shahdara area, the water level in the Ravi River has risen above 8,900 cusecs—approaching the flood alert threshold.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that all district administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert. Section 144 has been imposed around rivers and streams to restrict public access, and field officers have been directed to closely monitor vulnerable zones. Machinery and personnel have been deployed at chokepoints to ensure effective drainage and emergency response.

Meanwhile, the Met Dept has refuted social media claims of a “cloudburst” in Chakwal on July 17, which alleged rainfall exceeding 423 mm. The department confirmed that the actual recorded precipitation was only 142.2 mm, and no cloudburst was detected by Doppler radar or ground stations.

The PMD warned that spreading misinformation can cause public panic and urged media outlets to verify data before publication.

Residents across Pakistan are being urged to remain cautious, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow official guidance as monsoon activity continues. The PMD predicts rains will likely persist until at least July 26, with the potential for further disruption depending on evolving weather patterns.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider visited flood-affected areas of Chakwal on Sunday. The local administration—including the DCO, DPO, and PDMA officials—briefed the governor about the situation on the ground.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Saleem Haider said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would not leave the flood victims alone. He assured all possible support to compensate for homes washed away in the floodwaters.

The governor also met with flood victims and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the full rehabilitation of flood-affected areas.

During his visit to the Dohman area, he inspected damage caused by flash floods and noted that widespread rains have inflicted severe damage across several regions of the country. He called on all segments of society to join hands with the government in relief and rehabilitation efforts.