At least 299 people, including 140 children, have lost their lives in Pakistan since late June as torrential monsoon rains and flash floods continue to devastate multiple regions of the country, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Sunday.
According to a report by Dawn, the rains, which began on June 26, have caused widespread destruction, leaving 102 men and 57 women among the deceased, while 755 people have been injured — including 239 children, 204 women, and 272 men.
The NDMA stated the flooding has “left a trail of devastation across the country,” with thousands displaced, hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, and significant losses to livestock and livelihoods. A total of 1,676 homes have been affected, of which 562 have been completely destroyed and 1,114 partially damaged. The loss of 428 livestock has further deepened the crisis for many rural and farming communities.
Authorities have conducted 223 rescue operations, evacuating 2,880 people from inundated areas. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are underway, with over 13,400 essential items distributed, including more than 2,000 tents, hundreds of blankets, quilts, and food packs. Emergency response teams have also delivered over 1,100 hygiene kits, 350 life jackets, and 146 de-watering pumps.
The NDMA has established 71 medical and relief camps, where 577 individuals have received medical assistance so far. Despite these efforts, several regions remain severely affected, and joint operations continue with provincial and federal support agencies.
Forecasts suggest the crisis may worsen in the coming days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted further rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan from August 4 to 7. Balochistan and Sindh are expected to remain hot and humid, with limited rainfall anticipated in specific areas.
In Punjab, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, warned of a sixth monsoon spell beginning August 5, which could result in medium to high-level flooding in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers. “Dozens of districts are at risk,” Kathia said, citing Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Murree among others.
PDMA also cautioned that August’s rainfall could exceed July’s totals, increasing the likelihood of landslides in mountainous areas like Murree and Galliyat. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable zones to take precautionary measures as efforts to monitor and respond to evolving weather threats continue.
