Monsoon Spell Pakistan to Bring Heavy Rains, Flooding, and Landslides from August 17
The monsoon spell Pakistan will intensify from August 17, bringing heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warns that the weather system could trigger flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.
Widespread Monsoon Activity
Monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea have been moving into northern Pakistan. Moist air from the Bay of Bengal will strengthen by midweek. A westerly system will add to the rainfall intensity from August 17.
From August 14 to 17, rain, wind, and thunderstorms will hit Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). Heavy downpours are expected in these areas.
The wet spell will continue from August 18 to 21 in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, and parts of G-B. Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Mardan will see heavy to very heavy showers.
Rain Forecast for Southern and Central Pakistan
Southern K-P districts such as Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan will receive moderate showers with occasional heavy falls.
In Punjab, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad will get heavy rain from August 18 to 21. Southern Punjab will see scattered showers.
Rain is also expected in Balochistan districts — Barkhan, Zhob, Khuzdar, Gwadar, and Panjgur. In Sindh, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar will see showers between August 18 and 22.
GLOF Alert and Safety Measures
The K-P Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert. Intense rainfall could burst glacial lakes in Upper and Lower Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan.
Officials also warn of landslides and flash floods in streams and nullahs. Residents should avoid rivers and fast-flowing water.
The National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and the Communication and Works Department remain on standby for emergencies and road clearance.
The PDMA is running a public awareness campaign and has kept its Emergency Operation Centre active. People can call 1700 to report incidents or get information.
Flooding and Landslide Risks
The PMD warns of flash floods in K-P, Murree, Galliyat, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir from August 15 to 21. Hill torrents may hit Dera Ghazi Khan and eastern Balochistan between August 18 and 21.
Urban flooding is possible in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Nowshera. Landslides could block roads in K-P, G-B, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir. Strong winds and lightning may damage weak buildings, power lines, vehicles, and billboards.
Authorities urge the public to remain alert, take safety precautions, and avoid unnecessary travel to risky areas.
Rising Death Toll
Since late June, torrential rains and flash floods have killed 312 people, including 142 children, and injured 740 others.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that the victims include 113 men and 57 women. The injured include 243 children, 209 women, and 288 men. The weather since June 26 has caused destruction across multiple provinces.
Published in Daily Pak, August 13th, 2025
