At least 11 killed as flash floods hit northern Pakistan

At least 11 more people have died in rain-related incidents as monsoon rains pour over different districts in northern Pakistan.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high alert for several regions, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan.

Heavy rains are expected to continue until July 11, with flash floods anticipated in local nullahs and streams.

The Express Tribune had earlier reported at least 79 deaths recorded across the country by the National Disaster Management Authority since June 26.

Of the 11 deceased, two children and a woman were killed in Kasur due to electrocution, while others died in lightning strikes and flash floods, Express News reported on Thursday.

Mohsin, who fell into the Sharifabad drain in Islamabad, remains unknown. Police and rescue teams are searching the area near Sharifabad, Gulberg, and the Swat River.

Eyewitnesses said he tried to cling to the edges of the drain but failed. Residents reported strong water flow in the drain.

Meanwhile, a motorcyclist was swept away by rising water levels in the Korang drain yesterday, with a video of the incident circulating on social media.

Ongoing heavy downpours have led to severe disruptions in urban areas, with low-lying parts of Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala submerged in rainwater. Traffic in these cities has been severely impacted, with several roads blocked due to flooding.

The situation is further complicated by the risk of landslides in mountainous areas, particularly in K-P, Murree and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Meanwhile, in Balochistan, thunderstorms continue to affect regions like Zhob and Sibi, while rivers in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have swelled, triggering flood-like conditions.

Karachi, though largely unaffected, saw light to moderate rainfall in areas such as Gulshan-e-Hadeed and National Highway, causing minor disruptions.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid travelling in affected areas and to remain vigilant.

Rescue teams have been mobilised to assist those impacted by the floods, and the public has been advised to stay indoors where possible.

The government is closely monitoring the situation as the monsoon season persists, with further rainfall expected over the coming days.