ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Heavy monsoon downpours across Pakistan have claimed at least eleven lives, injuring dozens more and causing widespread property damage. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall, gusty winds, and dust storms are expected to continue in several regions, heightening the risk of urban flooding.
Tragic Incidents Result in Multiple Fatalities
Hyderabad: A madrassa roof collapsed during heavy rainfall, killing two children and injuring 14 others.
Punjab: Across various districts, rain-related incidents have resulted in six deaths and left 25 people injured.
Thehri (Azad Kashmir):* One child died and five others were hurt when a house roof caved in amid the storms.
Gilgit: Near Nala Kargah, a girl survived having fallen into the stream, but her mother and aunt tragically drowned during rescue efforts.
Urban Disruptions and Infrastructure Damage
Karachi: Overnight rainfall brought relief but also disrupted city life. Power outages occurred as approximately 350 feeders tripped, while several neighborhoods experienced waterlogging.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited affected localities including Defence, Clifton, South District, Governor House, Sindh Assembly, and the Supreme Court building. The municipal commissioner briefed him on drainage and relief operations. In response, the mayor cancelled municipal staff leave and placed them on alert.
Islamabad: The recently built High Court building (completed in 2023) experienced roofing leaks, prompting concerns over construction resilience.
Other Cities: In Rahim Yar Khan, water pooled in underpasses. In towns across Sindh—Khairpur, Larkana, and Padidan—strong winds and dust storms uprooted trees and toppled signboards.
PMD Issues Weather Alerts for Continued Monsoon Activity
The Met Office has forecasted more *monsoon showers, gusty winds, and dust storms* in the coming days. Authorities have been warned to remain vigilant, especially regarding the risk of flooding in seasonal nullahs and rivers.
Comfort Amid the Chaos
Despite the disruptions, parts of the region such as Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan have experienced a welcome drop in mercury, bringing much-needed respite from the summer heat.
With ongoing heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions predicted by the PMD, authorities nationwide are urged to maintain readiness, especially in flood-prone areas. Municipal teams remain on high alert in major cities to manage infrastructure strain and ensure public safety.
