The capital Islamabad is struck by flooding after very intense rainfall in a short period of time
Torrential rains triggered deadly flash floods across Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Rawalpindi on 21 July, with some areas receiving 145 mm of rain in just 3.5 hours.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, situated in the northernmost region of the country, floodwaters swept away eight vehicles, causing the deaths of at least four people in the Diamar District. At least 15 others are still missing as rescue teams work tirelessly to deliver medical aid to survivors. Several victims were tourists from other parts of Pakistan visiting Gilgit-Baltistan, a province in Pakistan-administered Kashmir renowned for its breathtaking valleys and pristine lakes. Floodwaters blocked key routes, including the Babusar Highway, stranding hundreds of tourists who were later rescued. Some found temporary shelter with the local population.
Saidpur village in Islamabad was the hardest hit, recording 145 mm of rainfall between 14:50 and 18:20. The floods caused extensive damage, washing away vehicles, collapsing walls, bridges, and other structures. The village is located in a ravine in the Margalla Hills overlooking Islamabad.
In Madyan in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, three children died, and their mother was critically injured when the roof of their house collapsed during heavy rains during the night of 21 July.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on 21 July that the ongoing fourth spell of monsoon rains, is expected to continue until 26 July with the impact on the province’s rivers from the 25 July. The PDMA notes that this monsoon season has caused 135 deaths, 479 injuries, and damaged 156 homes across Punjab Province.
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