Peshawar/Karachi: Pre-monsoon rains across Pakistan have led to flooding in rivers and streams, resulting in tragic incidents and widespread disruption. In the Swat River, a major tragedy unfolded due to flash floods, while in Havellian, a town in Abbottabad district, two children were swept away and died after being caught in a powerful water current.
According to reports, heavy rains caused streams in Abbottabad to overflow. The two children, identified as Saif and Fateha, drowned in the Nadi Dour area of Havellian and were later taken to a local hospital.
In Abbottabad city, torrential rainfall led to water accumulation in several neighborhoods, creating serious problems for residents. Local authorities reported that a tree fell on a vehicle in the Galyat region, blocking roads and causing long traffic jams.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rainfall swelled the Swat River significantly. Over 75 people, including women and children, were swept away at seven different locations. So far, 10 bodies have been recovered, while more than 55 people have been rescued. Search operations continue for over 20 individuals who remain missing.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and potential urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other parts of Sindh until Sunday, June 29. On Thursday, moderate to heavy rain fell across several parts of Sindh, breaking the prolonged dry spell and providing relief from the intense heat.
In its latest weather advisory, the PMD stated that strong monsoon currents are currently affecting the province. Rain with thunderstorms is expected in multiple districts including Karachi, Hyderabad, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Khairpur, Naushero Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Tharparkar through June 29.
The weather forecast for Karachi predicts intermittent moderate to heavy showers with thunderstorms on Friday, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 32°C and 34°C, and humidity around 78%. Similar conditions are expected on Saturday, June 28, with temperatures between 31°C and 33°C and humidity ranging from 75% to 80%. On Sunday, June 29, the weather is likely to be partly cloudy with a chance of rain, temperatures between 31°C and 33°C, and humidity levels between 75% and 85%.
The PMD has warned that severe weather may disrupt daily life, with risks of urban flooding, water accumulation in low-lying areas, and damage to weak structures, electric poles, signboards, vehicles, and solar panels. Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities accordingly, while relevant authorities have been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures.
Chief Meteorologist Aamir Haider reported rain measurements from various areas of Karachi on Thursday, including 17 mm in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, 13.4 mm at Met Office University Road, 12 mm at PAF Faisal Base, 9.3 mm in the Old Airport area, 8.4 mm in North Karachi and Korangi, 7.8 mm in DHA Phase 2, 6 mm in Keamari, 5.2 mm at Jinnah Terminal, 4.5 mm in Surjani Town, and 2 mm at PAF Masroor. The first rain led to a notable drop in temperatures, with Friday’s minimum temperature recorded at 27.5°C in several areas, including 28.1°C at Jinnah Terminal, 28°C at Mauripur, 27.5°C on Shahrah-e-Faisal, 26.3°C in Gulistan-e-Johar, and 26°C in Bin Qasim.
