Heavy rains have swept across parts of Pakistan, causing widespread flooding, damaging homes, and leaving at least seven people dead in Dera Ismail Khan. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, hours of downpour triggered flash floods in local streams and drains. The Bhara Kahu area was submerged, with water entering shops and houses, and vehicles left stranded.
Authorities also opened the spillways of Rawal Dam to relieve pressure as the water level rose. Several hiking trails in the Margalla Hills, including Trails 2, 3, 4, 5, and the one behind Saidpur village, were closed for public safety.
In Dera Ismail Khan, powerful winds and torrential rain toppled trees and electricity lines, cutting power to many areas. According to rescue officials, roof collapses in different localities resulted in at least seven fatalities and dozens of injuries.
Elsewhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and North and South Waziristan, residents also experienced heavy showers. In Mardan, the deputy commissioner inspected relief and drainage operations, while the Chief Executive Officer of the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC), Shahid Khan, briefed officials on the drainage efforts. Mardan’s Deputy Commissioner stated that all relevant departments were on alert to ensure citizens received proper services. In Mardan’s Jalalah, a room’s roof collapsed during the rainfall, killing one person and injuring two others.
Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan have warned of more downpours starting Saturday. Hotels along the Gilgit riverbank have been closed, and schools near the river will remain shut on Monday due to fears of rising water levels.
Heavy rain has also been reported in several cities across Punjab, including Gujrat, Kamalia, Gojra, Toba Tek Singh, Kot Addu, Bhalwal, and Miani. In Chiniot, downpours hit the city and surrounding areas, while Chichawatni and its suburban areas also received heavy rain. Hafizabad was also drenched by heavy showers.
In Azad Kashmir’s Bagh district, rain triggered landslides that damaged two houses and a mosque, though no casualties were reported. Nikyal in Azad Kashmir received sustained rainfall, and Samahni and nearby villages saw thunderstorms and flash floods in local streams.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert, warning of more widespread and intense rainfall across much of the country until August 30.
KP government spokesperson Faraz Mughal expressed grief over the loss of lives in Dera Ismail Khan due to the storms and heavy rain. He added that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had directed the district administration and rescue services to remain on high alert. Mughal stated that an emergency has been declared in hospitals in Dera Ismail Khan to provide immediate medical aid to the injured. He emphasized that rescue and power restoration teams are working on the ground, and the provincial government has pledged all possible relief for those affected. Mughal urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures, noting that the chief minister is personally monitoring the situation.
