Heavy rain threatens landslides and flooding across northern Pakistan

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that moderate to heavy rainfall could trigger landslides and urban flooding across parts of the country on Tuesday (1 Sept) night and Wednesday (2 Sept).

The warning covers several districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Kashmir, with residents in low-lying areas urged to remain alert as heavy rainfall could cause flooding.

Landslide and flood risks

The NDMA identified Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Buner, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Murree, Galiyat, G-B and Kashmir as areas at risk of landslides.

Urban flooding was also expected in low-lying areas of Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Gujrat.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said moist currents were approaching the upper parts of the country, while a westerly trough was present over northern areas.

Rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy falls, were forecast in upper K-P, Islamabad, upper Punjab, G-B, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas on Tuesday. Similar conditions were expected on Wednesday across upper K-P, the Potohar region, Islamabad, G-B, Kashmir and nearby hilly areas.

The forecast also warned of rain, thunderstorms and cloudy conditions in popular tourist destinations including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Murree, Galiyat, Swat and Kaghan through Sunday, with the possibility of landslides.

Tourists and travellers were advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by the adverse weather.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi already hit by flooding

The warning comes after heavy monsoon rain caused flooding in parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Rawalpindi recorded up to 201mm of rain at Shamsabad, while Chaklala and New Kattarian recorded 191mm and 187mm respectively in the previous 24 hours.

In Islamabad, 157mm was recorded at Golra and 152mm at Zero Point. A drain in the E-11 sector overflowed, flooding roads and some basements.

Authorities deployed dewatering pumps and emergency teams, while traffic police warned motorists about waterlogged roads.

A protective wall also collapsed in the D-12/2 sector, although authorities reported no deaths.

In Rawalpindi, educational institutions were closed as water levels in Nullah Lai continued to rise following the heavy rainfall.

Deadly monsoon season

The latest rainfall comes during a particularly deadly monsoon season in Pakistan.

NDMA figures covering 26 June to 31 August showed that 175 people had died and 500 were injured nationwide in rain-related incidents.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of deaths at 70, followed by Punjab with 61 and Sindh with 17.

House collapses accounted for nearly half of the deaths, while drowning and flash floods were also among the leading causes.

The PMD expects scattered to widespread rainfall across the upper catchments of major rivers, upper Punjab and upper K-P through 5 September.

Water flows in major rivers and associated streams and nullahs are also expected to increase.