Heavy rainfall, high river flows, and urban flooding threaten Punjab, KP and beyond
By Our Correspondent — ISLAMABAD | September 2, 2025
Pakistan is contending with another surge of monsoon flooding across multiple provinces, as heavy rains swell the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers and trigger urban inundation in major cities. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued fresh alerts for September 1–3, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), along with landslide risks in hilly areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has flagged heightened chances of urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, among others.
Rising toll and mass evacuations
According to the latest NDMA situation report, released early September 1, the monsoon season has caused at least 863 deaths and 1,147 injuries nationwide since late June. Authorities report 9,166 homes damaged and 6,180 livestock lost. Cumulative rescue and evacuation figures now exceed 994,000 people, including more than 909,000 in Punjab alone as river flows rose and embankments came under stress.
Punjab: riverine flooding and disease concerns
Punjab—Pakistan’s agricultural hub—has borne a large share of evacuations as high flows travelled downstream on the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab. Low-lying settlements along the floodplains have been cleared as a precaution, with officials warning that further rain in upper catchments could aggravate river conditions. Public hospitals have been placed on emergency footing to manage water-borne disease risks where sewage and floodwater have mixed in urban neighbourhoods.
KP: flash floods and landslides
In KP, steep terrain and cloudbursts have produced devastating flash floods and landslides, pushing the provincial death toll to at least 484 so far this season. Access has been disrupted in several districts as crews work to reopen damaged road links and restore basic services.
Gilgit-Baltistan: mudslide-dammed lake raises concern, then recedes
In the northern highlands, a mudslide blocked the Ghizer River around Aug 23, creating a lake estimated at about 7 km in length and prompting warnings of a potential outburst downstream. Subsequent assessments indicated the lake receded and immediate danger reduced, though officials cautioned residents to remain alert as monsoon rains continue and glacial melt remains elevated. ReutersDawn
Sindh: Karachi’s historic deluge
In Karachi, torrential rain on Aug 19–20 overwhelmed drains, flooded main arteries and caused widespread power outages. Rainfall reached ~163.5 mm near the airport (highest since 1979), with at least 14 deaths reported by Aug 20—several from electrocution and structure collapses—before later tallies rose further in subsequent reports. The city remains on watch for additional showers and water-logging in low-lying areas. ReutersDawn
Short-term outlook (Sept 1–3)
The PMD expects further heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Punjab, KP, Islamabad and AJK through Sept 3, driven by monsoon currents interacting with a westerly disturbance. Authorities warn of urban flooding in major centres and landslides in hilly districts of KP, Galliyat, Murree and AJK. Residents in vulnerable zones are urged to avoid non-essential travel, move to higher ground when advised, and follow local administration guidance.
Relief and readiness
The NDMA says its National Emergencies Operation Centre is active, with federal and provincial responders—supported by humanitarian partners—continuing search-and-rescue, relief distributions and damage assessments. People in at-risk areas are encouraged to use official NDMA/PMD channels for verified alerts and to report hazards promptly to local authorities.
