Bridges, homes, vehicles wash away as flash floods wreak havoc in AJK, KP

Three die as roaring flood washes away their vehicle in Landi Kotal: Landslides in several regions reported: Authorities warn residents and tourists to stay away from rivers, streams, flood-prone areas: Lahore, Shakargarh, Islamabad, Murree receive heavy rain

Published: 03:11 PM, 20 Jul, 2026
Topics, Environment, Featured News
Bridges, homes, vehicles wash away as flash floods wreak havoc in AJK, KP
Caption: TV grab shows roaring floodwater is passing in Landi Kotal on Monday.

A fresh monsoon weather system triggered widespread destruction across several parts of Pakistan on Monday, with cloudbursts, torrential rain and flash floods sweeping away homes, shops, vehicles and bridges, while three members of an Afghan family lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away in Khyber District, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the report, the severe weather also led to rising water levels in rivers and seasonal streams, prompting authorities to issue flood warnings and urge residents and tourists to avoid vulnerable areas.

--Cloudburst in Neelum Valley--

The worst damage was reported in the Katha Piran area of Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where a cloudburst unleashed a powerful flash flood.

The torrent washed away a mosque, a government school, six houses, 16 shops, a passenger van, two jeeps, 11 motorcycles and six wooden bridges, causing extensive destruction to public infrastructure and private property.

--Flash flooding in KP--

In Khyber District, torrential rain triggered flash flooding in Landi Kotal, Bara and Jamrud, disrupting traffic and blocking the Pakistan-Afghanistan Highway.

A passenger van carrying an Afghan family was swept away by floodwaters in Landi Kotal, leaving three people, including a woman, dead.

Rescue 1122 divers, assisted by local residents, recovered the bodies from the Jabba Khwar stream in Jamrud and shifted them to hospital.

Rescue officials said search operations were continuing amid fears that more members of the family may still be missing.

The emergency service once again urged the public to stay away from rivers, streams and flood channels during heavy rainfall.

--Passenger coach plunged in Shangla--

In Shangla, a passenger coach plunged into a ravine near Shangla Top, injuring 14 people.

--Hotel, houses damaged in Kaghan Valley--

Flash floods also caused widespread damage in Kaghan Valley, where four wooden bridges and two concrete bridges were swept away.

Dozens of houses and shops sustained partial damage, while several water supply schemes, fish farms and standing crops were destroyed.

-- Damages in Siran Valley--

In the Moli Katha area of Siran Valley, three residential houses and a hotel were damaged by floodwaters.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner advised both local residents and tourists to avoid travelling to Kaghan and Siran valleys until conditions improve.

--Landslides in Balakot--

In Balakot, heavy rainfall caused seasonal streams to overflow and triggered landslides, disrupting traffic at several locations and leaving a number of tourist vehicles stranded near flood channels.

--Vehicle trapped in Malam Jabba stream--

Meanwhile, in the tourist resort of Malam Jabba in Swat, a vehicle became trapped in a rain-fed stream. Rescue personnel and tourism police responded swiftly and safely evacuated all passengers without any casualties or property loss.

--Flood warnings--

Authorities are also closely monitoring river levels across Punjab. Water levels in the Chenab River have started rising near Wazirabad, while the National Disaster Management Authority has issued an urban flooding alert. A low-level flood situation has developed at the Khanki and Qadirabad headworks.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), water flow in most of Punjab's rivers remains within normal limits, although further increases are expected until 24 July due to continuing monsoon rains.

Flood warnings have also been issued for the Basantar, Deg, Palkhu, Bhimber, Halsey and Dora streams, while flash flooding is feared in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan. Residents living along riverbanks and streambeds have been directed to move to safer locations.

In Zafarwal, the local administration has been placed on high alert amid fears of flooding in the Dek stream. Mosque announcements have been made urging residents to remain vigilant, while rescue authorities have advised the public to stay away from the watercourse.

--Rains in Punjab--

Heavy rain also lashed Lahore and several other cities across Punjab. Gulshan Ravi recorded the highest rainfall in Lahore with 98 millimetres, followed by Farukhabad with 46mm, Samanabad with 43mm, Saggian with 42mm and Iqbal Town with 25mm.

Murree and Islamabad also received heavy rainfall. Murree recorded 100mm of rain, triggering a landslide on Bostal Road. Electricity cables snapped near Kashmir Point, and reports were received of trees being uprooted by strong winds.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall across several cities in Sindh over the next 24 hours. Karachi is expected to remain partly cloudy, with light showers likely later in the day.

Reporters: Jahanzeb Afridi, Pervaiz Afridi, Dure Nayab, Syed Noman Shah and Farhan Ejaz

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