A fierce monsoon storm tore through Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) on Sunday, leaving at least 10 people dead and more than 60 injured as torrential rains and powerful winds toppled power lines, destroyed homes, and submerged neighborhoods.
The storm, one of the most severe this season, plunged much of the city into darkness after high-voltage transmission lines collapsed. Emergency crews scrambled through debris-strewn streets, working to rescue residents trapped under collapsed rooftops — the leading cause of fatalities, according to officials.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government spokesperson Faraz Mughal confirmed the casualties, calling the damage “widespread and devastating.” He said Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has placed local authorities and hospitals on high alert, with medical teams deployed to treat the injured.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi Flooded; Dam Spillways Opened
Heavy rainfall also crippled Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where hours of downpour triggered flash floods in low-lying neighborhoods, particularly Bhara Kahu, where water inundated homes, shops, and roads. Rescue teams reported stranded vehicles and traffic chaos, while authorities opened Rawal Dam’s spillways to manage rising water levels.
For safety, the Margalla Hills hiking trails — including Trails 2, 3, 4, 5, and the route behind Saidpur village — were temporarily closed due to the increased risk of landslides.
Monsoon Rains Hammer KP, Punjab, GB, and AJK
Beyond DI Khan, much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was hit by intense rainfall, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and Waziristan. In Jalalah, a roof collapse killed one person and injured two others. Officials in Mardan inspected drainage efforts to prevent additional flooding.
In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), authorities have warned of renewed heavy rains and flash flood risks, ordering schools near riverbanks to remain closed Monday. Hotels near the Gilgit River have also been evacuated as a precaution.
Punjab cities — including Gujrat, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Toba Tek Singh, and Kot Addu — endured intense showers, while in Azad Kashmir’s Bagh district, landslides damaged homes and a mosque. Fortunately, no casualties were reported there.
NDMA Issues Countrywide Warning
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged provinces to remain vigilant as heavy monsoon rains are expected to persist through August 30. Officials have appealed to the public to limit travel and stay alert to flash flood warnings.
“Rescue and power restoration teams are working around the clock, and the chief minister is closely monitoring developments,” KP spokesperson Mughal said, promising government support for displaced families.
