Over 100, including 53 children, dead due to monsoon rains: NDMA

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has confirmed that at least 111 people, including 53 children, have lost their lives across Pakistan due to heavy monsoon rains between June 26 and July 14.

In its latest report, the NDMA stated: “The majority of deaths have occurred due to electrocution, building collapses, and drowning incidents during rainfall-related activities.”

According to official data, more than 100 people have lost their lives across Pakistan due to monsoon rains since June 26. The death toll has reached 111 as of July 14. The monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall across South Asia each year, has once again turned deadly due to poor infrastructure and inadequate precautionary measures.

Data revealed that the most common cause of death was electrocution, and Punjab province reported the highest number of fatalities. In many urban areas, especially in Lahore, exposed electrical wires, flooded roads, and poor drainage systems have significantly increased the risk to public safety during rainfall.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, 44 people have died and 134 have been injured in Punjab alone during this year’s monsoon season. The PDMA spokesperson stated that among the deceased, 27 people died due to collapsing of dilapidated buildings, five were killed by lightning strikes, 4 died from electrocution, and 8 drowned while bathing during the rains.

In addition to the human toll, the rains have also caused widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Dozens of homes have been reported damaged or completely destroyed, leaving many families displaced. Rural areas have been particularly hard-hit, where access to emergency services is limited and response times are slow.

Authorities have issued alerts in vulnerable regions and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during storms, stay away from electric poles and wires, and not to bathe in open water bodies during rainfall. Relief efforts are ongoing, but many have criticized the lack of preparedness and timely action from local governments.

Experts warn that as climate change intensifies, extreme weather events like heavy monsoon rains will likely become more frequent and severe. They urge for stronger investment in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and public education campaigns to mitigate the impact of future disasters.