Heavy rainfall inundates Lahore and Peshawar, causing urban flooding, as Pakistan struggles with a recent monsoon onslaught

Pakistan has been hit hard by the ongoing monsoon season, with heavy rains and cloudbursts causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

On Saturday, monsoon rains battered Pakistan, leading to urban flooding in Peshawar and Lahore. In Peshawar, one child was tragically killed when the roof of a house collapsed, while three others were injured and taken to the hospital. The governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asfandyar Wali Khan, participated in the flood relief efforts in the city. A comprehensive relief operation is underway, focusing on areas like Nasir Bagh Road, Warsak Road, and Budhni.

In Lahore, torrential rains flooded major roads like Johar Town, Wapda Town, and Canal Road, causing traffic paralysis and widespread power outages. Images of the Ravi River overflowing into a private housing society continued to circulate on social media. Another resident, Sikandar Mughal, initially stayed behind but had to flee when the water level reached his garage.

The deluge in Punjab began on Monday, following the release of water into the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers by India. This has destroyed farmlands, swept away herds, and affected over a million people.

Since late June, more than 830 people have died nationwide due to heavy rains and cloudbursts. Over half of these fatalities occurred after August 15, due to monsoon rains in the north and northwest that triggered hill torrents and flash floods.

Pakistani authorities had warned of urban flooding in Lahore and other urban centers a day earlier. In response, the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asfandyar Wali Khan, and the Chief Minister of Punjab, Ali Amin Gandapur, have ordered officials to remain in affected areas until operations end and to provide food and temporary shelter for the affected residents.

The authorities also plan to assess damages and formulate a comprehensive strategy to deal with environmental catastrophes after the monsoon season. This strategy will be formulated amid the country's rapidly growing climate vulnerabilities. The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has also directed the district administration and rescue agencies to remain on constant alert for further urban flooding.

Rizwana, a housewife, said she had stayed back while the neighborhood became empty. Another resident, Sikandar Mughal, shared his experience of being caught off guard by the flooding in a private housing scheme.

As the monsoon season continues until Sept. 10, Pakistani authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the damage and provide aid to those affected.