At least 12 people, including five children, have lost their lives and 18 others were injured in a series of rain-related incidents caused by heavy monsoon showers and flash floods across Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities said on Tuesday.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the fatalities were reported from several districts where torrential rainfall triggered flash floods, caused the collapse of houses, and disrupted normal life. The victims died after roofs and walls of homes gave way under the impact of continuous rain, while others were swept away by fast-flowing floodwaters.
The PDMA said the deceased included six men, one woman and five children. Among the injured were eight men, two women and eight children, many of whom suffered injuries after buildings partially or completely collapsed during the downpour.
Emergency response teams, local rescue officials and district administrations have been deployed to the affected areas to carry out relief and rescue operations. Injured persons have been shifted to nearby hospitals, where several are reported to be undergoing treatment. Rescue workers are also searching for people feared missing after being carried away by flash floods in some regions.
Officials said persistent rainfall over the past several days has increased the risk of landslides, overflowing streams and urban flooding in vulnerable districts of the province. Low-lying settlements and villages situated near rivers and seasonal streams have been particularly affected, forcing several families to move to safer locations.
The PDMA has directed local administrations to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of rescue personnel, machinery and emergency supplies. Authorities have also instructed district officials to monitor water levels in rivers and streams closely and issue timely warnings to residents living in flood-prone areas.
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The disaster management authority urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall, stay away from swollen rivers and drainage channels, and refrain from crossing flooded roads and bridges. Citizens have also been advised to follow official weather advisories and cooperate with emergency services.
Pakistan experiences heavy monsoon rains every year between July and September, with the season often bringing flash floods, landslides and infrastructure damage, particularly in mountainous regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Poorly constructed houses, inadequate drainage systems and settlements located in vulnerable areas increase the risk of casualties during periods of extreme weather.
Meteorological authorities have warned that more rainfall is expected in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the coming days, raising concerns over additional flooding and rain-related emergencies. Disaster management officials have asked residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
The latest fatalities add to the growing toll from this year’s monsoon season, which has affected several parts of Pakistan with heavy rainfall and flooding. Authorities said rescue and relief operations would continue until all affected communities are reached, while damage assessments are being carried out to determine the extent of losses to homes, infrastructure and public property.
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