Monsoon rains and flash floods disrupt life across Pakistan 

ISLAMABAD: Widespread monsoon rains and flood-related incidents continued to affect several parts of Pakistan on Saturday, disrupting transportation, damaging infrastructure and crops, and forcing authorities to step up rescue and relief efforts as more heavy rainfall is forecast.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of further heavy rain in parts of Sindh and southern Punjab during the day, raising concerns over a possible increase in river flows and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.

In Punjab, rising water levels in the Indus River led to the breach of a protective embankment in Mianwali, allowing floodwaters to enter nearby residential areas. Local authorities have mobilised rescue teams and are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further damage.

The Ravi River continues to flow at a low flood level, with district administrations maintaining precautionary measures in vulnerable riverine areas. Relief camps remain on standby in several districts, while residents living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.

In Sindh, flooding in the Gaj River in Dadu district has severed road links to more than 10 villages, disrupting transportation and making access to affected communities increasingly difficult. Authorities are assessing the situation and coordinating relief efforts for stranded residents.

The monsoon system has also intensified over the Nangarparkar region of Tharparkar district, where more than 150 millimetres of rainfall has been recorded over the past two days. The heavy downpour has inundated low-lying areas and disrupted routine life, while local administrations continue to monitor the evolving situation.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, persistent rainfall has triggered flooding in rivers and water channels around Chilas, affecting local infrastructure and increasing the risk of further flash floods in mountainous terrain.

Meanwhile, the Astore Valley Road has remained closed for the past six days due to weather-related damage, disrupting the supply of essential commodities and leading to shortages of food items in the valley. Officials said relevant authorities were working to restore access, although continued rainfall had complicated clearance operations.

The latest developments come as flood conditions continue to fluctuate across parts of the country following days of monsoon rainfall. 

Disaster management authorities have intensified monitoring of rivers and vulnerable locations, including the use of drone surveillance at key barrages and headworks in Punjab to improve early warning and emergency response.

Officials have urged residents living in low-lying areas, along riverbanks and near seasonal streams to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from floodwaters and closely follow instructions issued by district administrations and rescue agencies.

With the PMD forecasting additional rainfall in southern parts of the country, authorities have warned that localised flooding, flash floods and further rises in river levels remain possible, urging the public to remain alert and rely on official weather and flood advisories.