Pakistan monsoon death toll rises to 109 as authorities warn of more flooding

The death toll from this year’s monsoon flooding in Pakistan has climbed to 109, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected across the country later this week, raising fears of further devastation.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) disclosed that the fatalities have been recorded nationwide since June 26, with many victims losing their lives after homes and rooftops collapsed under the impact of torrential rains.

According to the agency, nearly half of the deaths occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, which borders Afghanistan and has been among the worst-hit areas since the onset of the rainy season.

The latest casualty figures were released a day after the NDMA convened a meeting to review the country’s flood preparedness and emergency response measures ahead of the anticipated rainfall.

During the meeting, officials discussed plans to strengthen early warning systems for communities living along riverbanks, enabling residents to voluntarily relocate or be evacuated before floodwaters inundate their settlements.

Last week, heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding in several parts of Pakistan, including the city of Lahore, where submerged roads disrupted traffic and forced commuters to seek alternative routes.

Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed residents wading through flooded streets as the downpour overwhelmed drainage systems in affected communities.

The flooding has also sparked criticism from residents, with many questioning the government’s level of preparedness and response to the recurring seasonal disaster.

Authorities warned that they cannot rule out a repeat of the catastrophic floods that struck Pakistan in 2022.

The 2022 disaster submerged nearly one-third of the country, claimed 1,737 lives and displaced millions of people, making it one of the worst natural disasters in Pakistan’s history.

With meteorological agencies forecasting additional rainfall in the coming days, emergency management officials have urged residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation advisories where necessary.

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