MUZAFFARABAD: In Azad Kashmir’s capital, Muzaffarabad, a tragic cloudburst struck the Nasirabad area, resulting in the death of six members from the same family.
Several parts of Azad Kashmir are experiencing heavy rainfall and flash flooding, causing streams and rivers to overflow. In Bagh District, intense rainfall led to swollen streams, and in the Samahni area, the Bhimber Nala flooded to a dangerous level.
A tourist vehicle was swept away, but fortunately, all individuals were successfully rescued. Due to the worsening flood situation, all educational institutions in Bagh District will remain closed. Water levels have significantly increased in areas like Jhelum Valley, Samahni, Hattian Bala, and Neelum Valley.
Across the Line of Control in Indian-Occupied Kashmir, the Ramban District witnessed torrential rain and flooding, which led to the death of three individuals, including a child.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, relentless rain, landslides, and flash floods have caused widespread damage. In the Ghizer District, three people lost their lives in a landslide, and three others are missing. In Diamer, a brother and sister were swept away by floodwaters, and a child was injured in a landslide on the Babusar Road. In Hunza, the Shisper Glacier is melting rapidly, causing severe erosion along both sides of the Hasanabad Nala. Authorities have issued evacuation notices, and many residents have begun leaving their homes.
The flooding has inflicted severe damage to crops, homes, schools, and agricultural land. In response, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has declared emergencies across multiple regions. Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq has urged residents around Chinar Bagh and other low-lying areas to evacuate and remain alert.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mansehra faced flash flooding near the Siran Valley Family Park. The area was crowded with tourists at the time, but rescue efforts ensured that over 1,300 people were safely moved to higher ground. Emergency officials confirmed that all visitors were safely evacuated from the park and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, in Upper Kohistan, rising water levels in the Indus River led to the closure of the Karakoram Highway for all traffic.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to worsen. The seventh spell of monsoon rains is set to begin on August 13. The period from August 14 to 23 has been identified as particularly critical, with heavy rainfall predicted across flood-prone regions. A flood advisory has already been issued for Punjab.
