Monsoon rains kill nine in KP

At least nine people lost their lives and 23 others were injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during the past 48 hours as the first spell of monsoon rains, accompanied by strong winds and flash floods, swept across the province.

PESHAWAR: At least nine people lost their lives and 23 others were injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during the past 48 hours as the first spell of monsoon rains, accompanied by strong winds and flash floods, swept across the province.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the severe weather also caused significant damage to infrastructure and residential properties. PDMA Director General confirmed that at least 41 houses were damaged in various districts due to heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The affected areas include Khyber, Lower Dir, Mardan, Shangla, Bajaur, Lower Chitral and Dera Ismail Khan, where torrential rains triggered flash floods, roof collapses and other weather-related emergencies.

The PDMA has directed district administrations to accelerate relief and rescue operations and ensure immediate assistance for affected families. Emergency teams have been instructed to remain on alert while local authorities continue assessing losses and monitoring vulnerable areas.

The latest spell of monsoon rains marks the beginning of the season in KP, raising concerns over further weather-related incidents in the coming days. Authorities have urged residents, particularly those living near rivers, streams and mountainous regions, to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide advisory warning of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, landslides and urban flooding from July 1 to 4.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), rising temperatures combined with an active monsoon system and westerly weather disturbances are expected to produce heavy rainfall and accelerate glacier melting across northern Pakistan.

The advisory highlighted that glacier-adjacent areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir face a heightened threat of GLOFs due to the combined impact of intense rainfall and rapidly melting glaciers.

The NDMA has urged provincial authorities to remain on high alert and advised the public to follow official safety guidelines, avoid flood-prone areas and stay updated through weather advisories. Rescue agencies have also been directed to ensure preparedness for any emergency response as monsoon activity intensifies across the country.