The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan has been severely affected by intense monsoon rains from July 29 through Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 24 people and injuries to 17 others, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Heavy rainfall and extensive damage
The torrential rains caused widespread flooding, particularly due to saturated flood basins, overflowing rivers, and overwhelmed drainage systems. The most severe incidents occurred in Kohat, where 10 people, including six children, lost their lives due to roof collapses and other rain-related accidents. Emergency services, including Rescue 1122 and local volunteers, have been actively involved in recovery efforts, providing non-food items such as tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and hygiene kits to affected families.
Impact on infrastructure
Upper Chitral suffered the most significant infrastructural damage, with 107 houses either fully or partially destroyed by flash floods. Across the province, a total of 150 houses were damaged over the past three days, with 77 partially damaged and 73 completely destroyed. Additional damage was reported in Hangu, Haripur, Mansehra, Lower Dir, Charsadda, Mohmand, Bajaur, and Abbottabad, with landslides further complicating the situation in Abbottabad.
Historical context and future concerns
Pakistan typically experiences its monsoon season from July to August, with an average rainfall of 255 millimetres each month. The monsoon season in 2022 caused extensive damage across the country, destroying over 75,000 homes and partially damaging 130,000 homes in KP alone. The current monsoon season is already proving to be devastating, with the PDMA warning of continued heavy rains and potential flash floods in various districts until August 6.
Weather warnings and precautions
The PDMA has issued a weather warning for further monsoon showers expected to continue intermittently. The alert highlights the risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas and flash flooding in local streams across numerous districts, including Dir, Bajaur, Chitral, Swat, Buner, Malakand, and others. Landslides are also predicted in the upper districts, prompting the PDMA and local administrations to engage in extensive relief activities and advise tourists against travelling to the region.
Ongoing relief efforts
Relief teams are working around the clock to assist those affected by the flooding. The PDMA, district administrations, and various rescue services are coordinating efforts to provide aid and restore some normalcy to the impacted areas. The provincial government is urging residents to remain vigilant and heed weather warnings as the monsoon season progresses.