Heavy rains have dragged in parts of Pakistan, leaving the flooded streets, damaged houses and at least seven people dead in Dera Ismail Khan.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the hours of downpour triggered sudden floods in streams and drains. The Bhara Kahu area was submerged, with water entering stores and houses while the vehicles were stranded.
The authorities also opened the landfills of the Rawal dam to relieve the pressure as the water level increased.
Several hiking routes in Margalla Hills were closed for public safety. The hiking trails in the hills of Margalla, including paths 2, 3, 4, 5 and the one behind Saidpur Village, closed for security reasons.
In Dera Ismail Khan, the powerful winds and torrential rain knocked down trees and electricity lines, reducing power to many areas. The ceiling collapses in different locations left at least seven dead and dozen people more injured, according to rescue officials.
In another part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan and Waziristán Norte and Sur, residents also faced strong showers.
In Mardan, the attached commissioner inspected relief and drainage operations in the city. In Mardan, the executive director of the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Shahid Khan informed officials about drainage operations after heavy rains.
Mardan’s deputy commissioner said that all relevant departments were on alert to guarantee better services for citizens.
Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan warned of a newcomer since Saturday. Hotels along the shore of the Gilgit River have closed, and schools near the river will remain closed on Monday in the midst of fears of increasing water levels.
They have informed of heavy rains in several cities of Punjab, including Gujrat, Kamalia, Gojra, Toba Tek Singh, Kot Addu, Bhalwal and Miani.
In Chinast, the downpours also arrived in the city and its surroundings. Chichawatni and its suburban areas also received strong downpours. Hafizabad was also soaked by strong showers.
In the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir, the rain triggered landslides that damaged two houses and a mosque. However, no victims were reported.
Nikyal in Azad Kashmira received sustained rain. Samahni and nearby villages saw storms and sudden floods in local currents.
The National Disaster Authority has already issued a weather alert, warning of more generalized and intense rains in much of the country until August 30.
KP government spox expresses pain for dik deaths
KP’s government spokesman, Faraz Mughal said that the loss of lives in Dera Ismail Khan due to storms and heavy rains was “deeply sad.”
He added that Prime Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had ordered the administration and rescue services of the district to remain on a maximum alert.
The emergency has been declared in hospitals of Dera Ismail Khan to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured, he said.
Rescue and energy restoration teams are working on the sites, while the provincial government has promised all possible relief for those affected, he emphasized.
Mughal urged citizens to avoid unnecessary trips and take caution measures, added that the prime minister was personally monitoring the situation.
