Monsoon rains continue across Pakistan

Monsoon rains continue to affect different parts of Pakistan, bringing relief from the intense summer heat but also causing deadly accidents, flooding, and damage to infrastructure. At least six people, including children, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the country, while rescue teams remain on high alert as heavy downpours continue.

In Gujranwala, a tragic incident occurred when a child drowned in rainwater that had accumulated in an underpass. The flooding turned the underpass into a dangerous pool, highlighting the risks posed by poor drainage systems during the monsoon season. In another heartbreaking incident in Bahawalnagar, a child drowned while bathing in a canal. Rescue officials have launched a search operation to recover the child’s body, which was still ongoing at the time of reporting.

The monsoon showers have significantly reduced temperatures across Punjab, providing welcome relief from the scorching heat. However, the heavy rainfall has also created serious urban flooding in several cities. Torrential rain in Gujranwala and Gujrat submerged low-lying areas, leaving roads inundated and disrupting traffic flow. Water entered several homes, causing inconvenience and property damage to residents. Authorities are working to drain the accumulated rainwater and restore normal conditions.

In Sialkot, Toba Tek Singh, and Jhang, rainfall brought cooler weather and pleasant conditions after days of extreme heat. Meanwhile, in Mandi Bahauddin, heavy rain caused roofs and walls of several buildings to collapse, leaving multiple people injured. Emergency services responded promptly, providing medical assistance to the injured and assessing the damage.

In Shakargarh, rising water levels in the Ravi River left 42 farmers stranded. Rescue teams successfully carried out an operation to evacuate all of them safely, preventing what could have become a major tragedy. Rescue authorities continue to monitor river levels closely as rainfall persists in nearby regions.

Heavy rainfall also wreaked havoc near Dadocha Dam on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. A seasonal stream overflowed and entered nearby residential areas, flooding the villages of Barwala and Khanpur. Residents faced significant challenges as floodwaters inundated homes, streets, and agricultural land, forcing many families to move to safer locations.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flash floods in the Siran Valley of Mansehra swept away a bridge, cutting off road access to 12 villages. Local authorities are assessing the situation and exploring temporary arrangements to restore connectivity. Elsewhere in the province, including Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi, Mingora, and Bajaur, intermittent light and heavy rainfall continued, bringing cooler temperatures but raising concerns about possible flooding and landslides.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rainfall triggered surging water levels in streams and rivers in Samahni, Bagh, and the Neelum Valley. A landslide at the Dwariyan area blocked the main highway, disrupting transportation and delaying travel between affected regions. Officials have begun efforts to clear the road and restore traffic.

Meanwhile, rainfall also reached Khuzdar in Balochistan and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, where cool winds and lower temperatures created pleasant weather conditions. However, authorities have urged citizens across the country to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas, and follow official weather advisories as the monsoon spell continues.