Pakistan monsoon death toll surpasses 100 as fresh heavy rain threatens

Pakistan's monsoon death toll has risen to 107 after another 10 people were killed in rain-related incidents, as authorities warned that a fresh spell of heavy rainfall is expected later this week.

The latest fatalities come as the government intensifies disaster preparedness in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries, where increasingly frequent extreme weather events continue to test emergency response systems.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Sunday that seven people died in Punjab and three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the previous 24 hours, while another 50 people were injured. Since the monsoon season began on 26 June, the rains have killed 107 people and injured 297 nationwide. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded the highest number of fatalities with 55, followed by Punjab with 36, Azad Jammu and Kashmir with seven, Balochistan with six, Sindh with two and Gilgit-Baltistan with one. Authorities said 447 houses had been damaged, 269 livestock killed and more than 3,800 people evacuated during 130 rescue operations.

Emergency committee orders heightened preparedness

The figures were released as the Emergency Response Committee, established by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to coordinate Pakistan's monsoon response, met on Sunday at the National Emergencies Operation Centre in Islamabad.

The committee reviewed the national flood situation, emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, relief supplies and coordination among federal and provincial authorities. It was informed that water levels in the country's major rivers remained within safe limits, but directed authorities to maintain continuous monitoring after the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast another spell of heavy rainfall from 29 July.

Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik said authorities must ensure the "timely dissemination of early warnings" by utilising all available resources. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal called for close coordination among federal, provincial and district institutions to support rapid decision-making and directed all departments to remain on high alert throughout the monsoon season.

Authorities tighten safety measures

Authorities have also expanded preventive measures as monsoon risks increase. Punjab has imposed a 60-day ban on swimming and boating in rivers, canals, dams and lakes, as well as bathing in accumulated rainwater, following a rise in drowning incidents. Relief camps have also been established in vulnerable districts to support displaced residents and provide emergency assistance.

Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warned of possible Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra, saying warmer temperatures and intermittent rainfall could accelerate glacier melting. Residents were advised to avoid rivers, streams, glacial lakes and narrow mountain valleys, while tourists were urged not to camp or trek in vulnerable areas.

Authorities expand AI-based flood monitoring

Authorities said Punjab's Irrigation Department has introduced an AI-based dam reservoir analysis dashboard that combines satellite imagery, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence to improve reservoir monitoring and flood forecasting.

An irrigation department official said the system has become increasingly important because India is no longer sharing river flow-related data with Pakistan, making satellite imagery an important source of situational awareness during the monsoon season.

The technology is being deployed as Pakistan continues to record rising monsoon casualties, underscoring the challenge of translating improved forecasting into timely warnings, coordinated emergency response and effective protection for communities in vulnerable areas.

Fresh rains to test preparedness

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of widespread rainfall in the coming days, raising the risk of flash floods, urban flooding and glacial lake outburst floods in parts of the country. As authorities strengthen monitoring, emergency coordination and public safety measures, the next phase of the monsoon will test whether improved early warning systems and disaster preparedness can help limit further loss of life as extreme weather events become increasingly frequent across South Asia.

Read more:

• Pakistan warns of deadly floods as monsoon and glacier melt collide
• Heavy rain and flooding kills 82 across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan
• Floods kill 18 in Karachi as heavy rains hit Pakistan’s southern region

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