ISLAMABAD – The devastating Pakistan monsoon season continues to wreak havoc, with the death toll from floods and rains climbing to 660 across the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods in multiple provinces.
According to official figures, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded the highest fatalities at 392. Punjab followed with 164 deaths, Gilgit Baltistan with 32, Sindh with 29, Balochistan with 20, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with 15, and Islamabad with 8. Among the victims were 394 men, 95 women, and 171 children. At least 935 people have been injured nationwide.
Widespread destruction
The Pakistan monsoon rains damaged 2,478 houses, with hundreds destroyed completely. KP reported over 700 homes damaged, while AJK saw more than 700 houses partially or fully destroyed. In Gilgit Baltistan, 597 homes were damaged, while Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, and Islamabad also reported significant property losses.
Flooding, landslides, and cloudbursts have blocked roads and cut off towns. In KP, Swabi witnessed 15 people swept away, while Mardan and Abbottabad saw entire neighborhoods submerged. In Buner, schools were destroyed, leaving classrooms in ruins. Relief efforts remain slow due to continuous rainfall and blocked routes.
Punjab and AJK affected
In Punjab, heavy rains submerged Chakwal and Kallar Kahar, while flooding in Rajanpur forced mass evacuations from riverside villages. In AJK, tragic incidents were reported, including the death of a university lecturer whose car was swept away in strong currents.
Relief operations and government response
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced donations from salaries of ministers, lawmakers, and officials to aid victims. The federal government also directed ministers to reach flood-affected areas within 24 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged full federal support for victims of the Pakistan monsoon disaster. He confirmed that the federal cabinet will donate one month’s salary, while relief and rehabilitation will continue until every affected family is assisted.
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