Flash floods resulting from heavy rains have led to the deaths of at least 49 people across Pakistan in the last 24 hours, with the northwestern regions bearing the brunt of the disaster. Officials reported that rescue teams are actively evacuating approximately 1,300 stranded tourists from the Siran Valley in the Mansehra district, where landslides have compounded the impact of the flooding.
The toll from rain-related incidents since June 26 has risen sharply, with over 360 fatalities, primarily affecting women and children. Most recent casualties occurred in the northern and northwestern areas of the country. In the Gilgit-Baltistan region, 10 individuals were confirmed dead after being swept away in Ghazar district, as stated by regional government spokesman Faizullah Faraq.
In addition, 16 people lost their lives in Bajaur district, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following a significant cloudburst that spurred flash flooding. Rescue official Amjad Khan mentioned that 17 others are reported missing. Battagram district also experienced severe flooding, leading to another 10 fatalities, with local administrator Saleem Khan indicating that 18 people remain unaccounted for.
The situation is dire in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where seven additional deaths were recorded due to rain-related incidents, as reported by the state disaster management authority.
Ongoing Rescue Operations and Warnings
Rescue operations in the Siran Valley have been critical, with provincial emergency service spokesman Bilal Faizi noting the extensive efforts to assist those trapped by floods and landslides. The region has experienced multiple flooding events since July, which have triggered landslides along the Karakoram Highway—a vital route for trade and tourism connecting Pakistan and China. This area is renowned for its picturesque glaciers, which account for 75% of Pakistan’s stored water supply.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Pakistan’s disaster management agency has issued new warnings regarding potential glacial lake outburst flooding in northern regions. Authorities are urging travelers to avoid affected areas due to the heightened risks.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution highlighted that rainfall from June 24 to July 23 was 10% to 15% heavier than average, attributing this increase to the effects of global warming. Experts emphasize that sudden, intense downpours, known as cloudbursts, are becoming more frequent in Pakistan. The impact of last year’s record monsoon season, which claimed over 1,700 lives and resulted in damages estimated at $40 billion, still lingers in the nation’s memory.
As rescue efforts continue, the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges becomes increasingly apparent, underscoring the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable regions of Pakistan.
