Pakistan continues to reel under the relentless fury of monsoon rains, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reporting eight additional deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing the nationwide death toll to 266 since the onset of the rainy season in late June.

The devastating floods have left a trail of destruction, with authorities warning of more rainfall in the coming days.

According to the NDMA, the latest fatalities include three in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, two in Islamabad, two in Gilgit-Baltistan, and one in Sindh. The agency’s updated figures reveal a heartbreaking toll: 94 men, 46 women, and 126 children have lost their lives, while 628 people have been injured in rain-related incidents across the country. Punjab remains the hardest-hit province, accounting for 144 deaths and 488 injuries, making it the epicenter of this year’s monsoon crisis.

In Rawalpindi, flash floods have submerged neighborhoods, prompting authorities to place the city on high alert. The district administration has identified 19 urban areas as highly vulnerable to further flooding, including New Katarian Lai Bridge, Bangash Colony, Ziaul Haq Colony, Pirwadhai Bridge, Dhoke Naju, Dhoke Hassu Bridge, and Nadeem Colony, among others. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has deployed supervisory teams, including Assistant Commissioners and Tehsildars, to monitor these high-risk zones and coordinate emergency responses.

As of July 26, 2025, local authorities reported that rescue operations in Rawalpindi have evacuated over 1,200 residents from flood-hit areas in the past 48 hours. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning of heavy rainfall expected through July 30, raising fears of worsening conditions in already waterlogged regions. In response, the NDMA has mobilized additional resources, including boats and temporary shelters, to assist displaced families.

Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods like Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, and Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh expressed growing frustration over recurring floods. “Our homes have been underwater three times this week alone,” said Muhammad Asif, a resident of Nadeem Colony. “For decades, we’ve faced this nightmare, and no one has built proper drainage systems to protect us.” Reports indicate water levels reached up to five feet in some areas, damaging homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

The NDMA has urged residents in vulnerable regions to stay vigilant and comply with safety advisories. Emergency services remain on high alert as Pakistan grapples with yet another season of climate-driven devastation. With forecasts predicting more intense rainfall, authorities are racing against time to mitigate further loss of life and property. (ILKHA)