Heavy rainfall forecasted for the nation, as fatalities mount in the north due to flood-affected areas

Monsoon Rains Cause Concern in Northern Pakistan

As of late August 2025, Pakistan's northern regions are experiencing varied monsoon activity, with significant impacts expected in some areas. The regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are particularly at risk.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern parts including DI Khan, Bannu, Tank, Waziristan, Karak, Lakki Marwat are hot and humid with partly cloudy skies. However, northern tourist areas such as Dir, Chitral, Swat, and Mansehra are prone to thunderstorms and heavy rains, especially later in the week. Heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms are forecast for places like Chitral, Dir, and Malam Jabba towards the end of August, with a risk of heavy to very heavy downpours in some localities.

Gilgit-Baltistan is currently experiencing generally dry weather with moderate temperatures, but heavy rain and strong winds are expected later, particularly from August 28 onward in tourist hotspots such as Gilgit and Skardu. There is also a forecast of cloudbursts and heavy monsoon rainfall in this region, which increases the risk of flash floods.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing persistent monsoon rains with thunderstorms, especially in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, and Poonch. Forecasts highlight the likelihood of heavy monsoon showers and flash floods, with strong winds and thundershowers expected.

The ongoing monsoon currents combined with fresh weather systems, including westerly waves, bring the threat of localized flooding, flash floods, overflowing streams, clogged drainage, and disruptions in agriculture and travel. Farmers in affected regions are advised to continue routine agricultural activities cautiously as per weather updates, while tourist areas in the northern mountains are advised to prepare for rain disruptions and to exercise caution during travel given the forecast of heavy rainfall and storms in valleys and hill stations.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in KP, and three more rain spells are moving towards Pakistan, posing a risk for the next few days. Buner is among the worst-hit areas from the flash floods, with food, tents, and blankets being provided to the affected people. A six-kilometre stretch of Pir Baba Road and a 3.5-kilometre section of Gokand Road have been cleared, and the provincial government has the resources to compensate for the losses 100%.

A search for missing persons is underway, and relief supplies and food are being provided in the affected districts. The risk of floods in KP's Peshawar, Chitral, Dir, and Charsadda is also high. As of August 15, the deaths in rain-related incidents across the country have surpassed 337, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting the highest tally of 314 fatalities.

Strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are causing the increased rain activity. As many as 209 deaths have been reported in Buner, while 134 people are missing and 159 others sustained injuries. Three army battalions and 300 civil defense volunteers are carrying out the rescue operations in Buner.

A relief emergency has been declared in eight affected districts, including Buner, and the Tarbela Dam is currently at 98% capacity, with a concern that the water level may increase to a dangerous level in the coming days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of more intense torrential rains across the country, commencing on August 17.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by devastating floods in Pakistan, and the NDMA has been preparing for the monsoon season since February this year, taking measures to prevent losses from the current monsoon. Additional helicopters have been requested from the aviation ministry for rescue and relief efforts in Buner.

A new series of rains has started in the areas along Koh-e- Sulaiman mountain range, increasing the risk of floods in AJK's Neelum, Pooch, and Bagh areas. Widespread rain-wind/thundershowers (with scattered heavy falls at times very heavy) are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Buner, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan till August 19. A Low Pressure System over the Bay of Bengal is expected to move westward and intensify this monsoon activity, while a westerly wave is present over the country under these meteorological conditions.

Heavy rainfall forecasted for the nation, as fatalities mount in the north due to flood-affected areas