Fresh Rain Spell to Hit Pakistan from August 23

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh spell of rains across Pakistan starting from August 23, raising fears of urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides in several regions already battered by recent downpours.

According to the advisory, rain with thundershowers is expected in central and upper parts of the country—including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir—from August 23 to 27.

Sindh and Balochistan will likely experience showers from August 23 to 26, while heavy rains are forecast in Sindh and eastern and southern Balochistan from August 27 to 29. Authorities have warned of possible urban flooding in major cities and landslides in hilly areas, particularly in central Punjab and northern regions.

Karachi reels from tornadoes, heavy rains

Karachi continues to suffer from the devastation caused by last week’s destructive tornadoes and torrential rains.

The downpour overwhelmed the city’s fragile drainage system, leaving streets submerged with sewage and stormwater. Roads, underpasses, and low-lying areas remained waterlogged for days, disrupting traffic and daily life.

Traders estimated economic losses of Rs15 billion as prolonged flooding and power outages forced a halt in commercial activity. At least 17 people lost their lives in rain-related accidents. While water has been cleared from major highways, several residential areas and marketplaces remain inundated.

Residents have also criticized the administration and K-Electric for failing to restore power in many neighborhoods, despite official claims that supply continues uninterrupted.

PDMA KP issues damage report

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has confirmed that 393 people have died and 190 injured in rain- and flood-related incidents across the province so far.

The victims include 300 men, 53 women, and 40 children, while the injured comprise 145 men, 27 women, and 18 children. The floods have also damaged 1,618 houses, of which 433 were completely destroyed.

Buner district recorded the highest number of casualties, with 234 deaths, followed by Swabi with 42 fatalities. Relief operations are ongoing, with district administrations directed to scale up assistance and provide immediate support to the victims.