Published on: August 24, 2025 1:48 PM
Heavy monsoon rains caused flooding across Pakistan, killing at least seven people in Dera Ismail Khan while leaving parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other regions severely waterlogged. Streets turned into rivers, houses and shops were submerged, and stranded vehicles created chaos for commuters. Authorities in Islamabad responded by opening the spillways of Rawal Dam to reduce rising pressure, while several popular hiking trails in Margalla Hills were closed for public safety.
In Dera Ismail Khan, torrential rains combined with strong winds toppled electricity poles and uprooted trees, plunging many areas into darkness. Several homes collapsed, causing the deaths of at least seven residents and injuring dozens more, according to rescue officials. Emergency teams worked to restore electricity and provide medical aid. Local hospitals declared an emergency to ensure quick treatment for the injured as heavy rain continued in multiple parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Charsadda, and Mardan.
Meanwhile, in Mardan, officials actively monitored the situation as drainage and relief operations were carried out. Deputy Commissioner Shahid Khan confirmed that all concerned departments were on high alert to provide quick services for citizens. Rescue officials reported that in Jalalah, a roof collapsed during heavy rainfall, killing one person and injuring two others. Despite ongoing challenges, local authorities assured residents of continued relief measures to reduce hardships caused by flooding and rain damage.
Elsewhere, Punjab also experienced heavy downpours in cities such as Gujrat, Toba Tek Singh, Kot Addu, and Hafizabad. Chiniot and Chichawatni received strong showers, creating difficulties for locals. In Azad Kashmir’s Bagh district, landslides damaged two houses and a mosque, though no casualties were reported. Nikyal, Samahni, and nearby villages witnessed thunderstorms and flash floods in local streams, further intensifying fears of more rain-related disasters in the coming days.
Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan also issued warnings of fresh downpours starting Saturday. Hotels near the Gilgit riverbank were closed, and schools close to the river will remain shut to ensure student safety. The National Disaster Management Authority has already issued a weather alert, warning that heavy rains will likely continue until August 30 across much of the country. Authorities urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, take precautions, and cooperate with rescue teams as emergency measures continue.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Faraz Mughal expressed grief over the deaths in Dera Ismail Khan, calling the loss of lives “deeply saddening.” He confirmed that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had ordered the district administration and rescue teams to remain on high alert. The provincial government has pledged full relief support for affected families, while the chief minister continues to monitor the evolving situation personally. Emergency response and power restoration operations are ongoing as communities struggle to recover from the damage caused by the relentless rains.
