PESHAWAR / ISLAMABAD — Heavy monsoon downpours over the past three days have killed at least 12 people and injured 18 others across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), leading the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue a nationwide high-level alert for flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides until July 24.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported the casualties, which occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, included five men, two women, and five children. The heaviest loss of life took place in Khyber district, where six members of an Afghan family died after their vehicle was swept away by a sudden flash flood.
Infrastructure Damage and Grid Failures in KP
The relentless rain has caused widespread power outages and structural damage in several northern districts. According to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), 148 power feeders were affected across key circles, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Swat, and Khyber.
Restoration teams managed to bring 42 feeders back online overnight, but ongoing heavy rainfall is slowing repair work. On the ground, PDMA officials said three houses were completely destroyed, 15 were partially damaged, and four livestock animals were killed in Upper Dir, Abbottabad, and Buner.
NDMA Issues Warnings
With water levels rising in major river systems, the NDMA has directed all provincial disaster management units, municipal bodies, and district administrations to remain on high alert.
| Threat Category | High-Risk Regions | Primary Waterways & Infrastructure Affected |
|---|---|---|
| High Riverine Flows | KP, AJK, GB, Punjab | Swat, Panjkora, Kabul, Jhelum, Neelum, Chenab (Marala Headworks). |
| Urban Flooding | Punjab & Federal Capital | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad. |
| Landslide Hazard | Chitral & Gilgit-Baltistan | Jaglot-Skardu Road, Yasin Valley, Bumburet, Nagar, Hunza, Astore. |
The NDMA also cautioned that possible water releases from India’s upstream dams — Thein, Pong, and Bhakra — could increase flows in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel on northern mountainous routes and to stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app.
