Indus River on High Alert as Floodwaters Surge
Pakistan is grappling with one of the harshest monsoon seasons in recent years, where torrential rains and floods have devastated large parts of the country. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 657 people have lost their lives and more than 920 others sustained injuries since June 26.
KP Emerges as the Worst-Hit Province
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continues to suffer the heaviest losses. Mountainous districts, particularly Buner, have become the epicenter of destruction. Rescue 1122 officials revealed that they have retrieved 373 bodies across KP, most of them from flood-hit areas of Buner, while search operations remain underway.
Fresh downpours on Monday further worsened conditions in Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, and Swat, where homes, markets, and roads were submerged. In Peshawar, major neighborhoods including Saddar Bazaar, University Road, and Gulbahar witnessed severe urban flooding, leaving traffic paralyzed and houses inundated.
In Nowshera’s Chakki Mamrez, tragedy struck when a roof collapse claimed the lives of a husband and wife during the downpour.
Punjab and Other Provinces Struggle
In Punjab, continuous rainfall lashed Multan, Jhang, Khushab, and Kabirwala, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. Chakwal recorded heavy showers, while Bhakkar and Miani reported flooded neighborhoods.
Balochistan experienced humid, cloudy weather, with forecasts predicting rain in districts including Zhob, Musakhail, Mastung, and Sibi. In Azad Kashmir, thunderstorms hit Dhirkot and several parts of the Poonch division.
Rising River Levels Put Settlements at Risk
Authorities issued flood warnings along the Indus River as water levels surged at Kalabagh, Jinnah Barrage, and Chashma Barrage. At Jinnah Barrage, inflows reached 439,586 cusecs, while Chashma recorded 483,512 cusecs inflow.
The Indus at Taunsa Barrage in Kot Addu also touched medium flood levels. Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs are nearing full capacity, raising concerns about further flooding if rains persist.
Forecast of More Heavy Showers
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more intense rainfall and thunderstorms until August 19, with at least three additional monsoon spells expected by early September. Districts most at risk include Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Orakzai, Kurram, Bannu, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Human Losses Continue to Climb
The NDMA confirmed that of the 657 deaths, 171 were children, 94 women, and 392 men. KP alone accounted for 390 fatalities, highlighting its extreme vulnerability. Punjab reported 164 deaths, Sindh 28, Balochistan 20, Gilgit-Baltistan 32, Azad Kashmir 15, and Islamabad also reported casualties.
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider said:
“This year’s monsoon intensity is up to 60% higher than last year, and two to three more heavy spells are expected until early September.”
Climate Change Behind Intensifying Rains
Experts warn that climate change is amplifying monsoon volatility in Pakistan. Meteorologist Zaheer Babar noted that torrential mountain rains often trigger flash floods downstream, while poorly planned housing near rivers and clogged drains worsen the devastation.
Pakistan ranks among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. The catastrophic floods of 2022, which killed nearly 1,700 people and submerged one-third of the country, remain a stark reminder of the risks the nation continues to face.
