At least 31 killed in Pakistan monsoon floods and building collapses

At least 31 people died across Pakistan as a powerful weather system brought torrential monsoon rains, flash floods and building collapses, government disaster management officials reported Saturday.

The casualties were spread across provinces, with 19 deaths reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and 12 in Punjab, according to provincial disaster management authorities.

In KP, the deaths included eight children among 19 people killed over 48 hours by flash floods and landslides that damaged 56 houses across seven districts.

The province has been particularly hard hit by sudden flooding as glacial melt combines with heavy rainfall in the region's steep valleys.

12 deaths reported in Punjab

Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistan's population, reported 12 deaths and 39 injuries from building collapses as heavy rains weakened roofs and walls across rural districts. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority documented 28 separate incidents of structural failures between June 25-27.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority issued urgent weather alerts Saturday warning of continued risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, urban flooding and thunderstorms across the country over the next 48 hours. The agency specifically warned residents to avoid travel near glacial streams and riverbanks.

Swat DC removed

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government on Saturday removed the deputy commissioner of Swat district from his position following drowning incidents in the region as officials face criticism over disaster preparedness.

Residents gather, after tourists, who were on a picnic, were swept away by overflowing floodwaters in the Swat River, in Swat Valley in Pakistan June 27, 2025.Reuters

Authorities deployed more than 120 rescue personnel with boats, divers and surveillance drones to search for missing persons from yesterday's flash floods along the Swat River, while provincial governments announced financial assistance for families of victims.

Citizens warned from travel

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from damaged buildings, and keep children from storm drains and electrical infrastructure during the ongoing severe weather.

The weather system has hit Pakistan during its annual monsoon season, with the weather office predicting the current spell will continue until July 1, with particular risks in mountainous northern areas.

Climate change has intensified monsoon patterns in recent years, leading to more extreme rainfall events in the region.