Heavy monsoon floods leave four dead, three missing

Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts triggered flooding in multiple regions, damaging homes, schools, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure, while disrupting daily life. In Khyber district, two vehicles were swept away by flash floods. Women and children travelling in the vehicles were rescued, but police said three people remain missing.

Another vehicle was trapped in floodwaters near Zakariya Mosque in the Khuga Khel area. Rescue teams safely evacuated everyone on board. Water levels continued to rise in the Chenab River at Head Qadirabad in Hafizabad, where inflows reached 138,000 cusecs and outflows stood at 115,000 cusecs, resulting in low-level flooding.

In Layyah’s Samran Sheeb area, strong currents in the Indus River washed away two government schools. River erosion also damaged hundreds of acres of farmland, around 300 houses, more than five settlements, three mosques, electricity poles and other public property.

Heavy rain also destroyed the community-funded Kohlia Bridge near Hassan Abdal for the second consecutive year, cutting off road links between several border villages in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A cloudburst in Neelum Valley caused streams to overflow, flooding homes and shops. Several vehicles, motorcycles and livestock were swept away near Mengal Nala, while traffic on the main Neelum Highway was severely disrupted.

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In Mansehra’s Jabori area, another cloudburst damaged several hotels and residential buildings, while flash floods disrupted normal life. Authorities also advised tourists to stay away from the Kunhar River and other waterways in Kaghan Valley, Siran Valley and nearby areas due to the risk of flooding.

Heavy rainfall in Murree and Galiyat also brought a noticeable drop in temperatures. Meanwhile, four labourers were killed and three others injured after a landslide struck the Budda Las area of Chalt in Nagar district. Rescue officials said the workers were returning home after work when they became trapped under falling debris.

One of the deceased was identified as Shafqat from Layyah, while another was identified as Fida Hussain from Chalt. The remaining two victims were residents of Kohistan. Their bodies were later shifted to their hometowns for burial. Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official safety advisories, as more monsoon rains are expected in the coming days.