Pakistan’s monsoon death toll rises to 242 amid severe flooding, landslide warnings

Over the past 24 hours, Pakistan has witnessed 21 additional fatalities linked to monsoon-related incidents, escalating the country’s death toll to 242 since the onset of the rainy season on June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated.

Alongside the rising casualties, six more individuals sustained injuries, bringing the total number of those affected to 598, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

In an official statement, the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) issued a stark warning about the ongoing and forecasted monsoon rains, which are expected to continue until July 25. The alert encompasses the majority of Pakistan, with an emphasis on heightened risks of flash floods, riverine inundation, and landslides, particularly within the northern and mountainous regions.

The NEOC underscored the imminent threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan and adjacent areas. Vulnerable zones include Reshwan, Breep, Boni, Sardar Gol, Thalo 1 and 2, Hanarchi, Handor, Darkot, Badswat, Ishkoman, and Arkari. The region is further imperiled by melting glaciers compounded by continued rainfall, precipitating flash floods in localities such as Haspar, Khunjerab, Shamshal, Baraldo, Hoshe, Saltoro, and their tributaries.

The alert also highlighted the elevated water levels anticipated in several major rivers. The Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Kabul rivers face substantial flood risks in key locations. The NDMA expects low to medium-level flooding along the Chenab River, especially at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Similarly, the Jhelum River’s upper catchment near Mangla, the Kabul River near Nowshera, and the Indus River at points including Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, and Guddu Barrage are projected to experience surges in water levels.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Swat and Panjkora rivers and their tributaries remain vulnerable to flooding. Gilgit-Baltistan’s Hunza and Shigar rivers are also at risk of overflowing. Meanwhile, localized flooding may occur in Balochistan’s Musakhel, Sherani, Zhob, and Sibi districts, accompanied by a severe threat of landslides across northern mountainous terrains.

The Karakoram Highway and Babusar Top have already been declared impassable due to landslides and flooding, prompting authorities to advise tourists to avoid travel to these areas until at least July 25.

The NDMA urgently appealed to the public, stating: “Avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers, and bridges and follow official instructions during heavy rainfall spells.” The authority further urged residents to monitor weather and road conditions via trusted news outlets, local administrations, and radio broadcasts, cautioning against using unverified alternative routes.

Local governments have been directed to deploy heavy machinery and ensure drainage equipment is operational. The NDMA also recommended utilizing its Disaster Alert mobile application to receive real-time updates and safety guidance amid the ongoing crisis.

By Vafa Guliyeva