ISLAMABAD – Rain and windstorms have killed at least six people across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with authorities warning that the impact may worsen as a fresh spell of rains is forecast across the country in the coming days. The Met office has predicted further rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms due to a new western disturbance expected to enter Balochistan and KP on Sunday evening and persist until April 9.
The severe weather has raised concerns about urban flooding, infrastructure damage, and crop losses. Authorities have urged residents, farmers, and travellers to remain vigilant as the risk of flooding, landslides, and storm-related damage remains high.
Casualties Across KP and Punjab
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four people died in Khyber district, while 12 others were injured in rain-related incidents, including six in Mohmand and three members of a family in Bannu after a roof collapse. Additional injuries were reported in Karak and Bajaur.
In Punjab, fatalities were linked to structural collapses caused by strong winds and heavy rain. A 55-year-old man in Sargodha and a 40-year-old woman in Chiniot died when the roofs of their houses caved in. At least four others were injured. Injuries from collapsing structures and a bus collision were also reported in Sahiwal, Bhakkar, Hafizabad, Multan, Mianwali, and Faisalabad.
Flood Advisory Issued
Authorities issued a flood advisory for low-lying areas along the Kabul and Budhni rivers, where water levels reached a mid-level flood stage with a discharge of 12,729 cusecs. Rescue 1122 urged residents near streams and canals in areas including Warsak Road, Budhni Bridge, Sardar Colony, and Board Bazaar to take precautions, warning that sudden surges in water flow pose serious risks.
Snowfall in Balochistan
In Balochistan, snowfall in Ziarat and surrounding areas led to a drop in temperatures in Quetta, with cold winds persisting throughout Saturday. Snow also fell in Muslim Bagh, Khanozai, and Kan Mehtarzai. Locals reported that the unusual April snowfall has affected fruit orchards.
Provincial Rainfall Reports
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported widespread rainfall across Punjab, with Murree receiving the highest at 48mm. Other areas, including Fort Munro, Rawalpindi, Attock, Faisalabad, and Sargodha, also recorded significant rainfall. The authority has issued an alert for more rain and hailstorms from April 6 to 8, placing district administrations on high alert.
Farmers have expressed concern that hailstorms could damage standing crops, while authorities have advised both farmers and tourists to take precautionary measures.
Forecast for Coming Days
Widespread rain and thunderstorms, with snowfall over mountains, are expected in KP from April 6 to 9, with heavy falls and hailstorms likely in some areas on April 7 and 8. Punjab is also expected to experience similar conditions over the same period, including heavy rain and hail in upper districts and the Potohar region.
In Sindh, including Karachi, scattered thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall are forecast on April 6, while parts of Balochistan will see rain and thunderstorms between April 5 and 7. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also expected to receive widespread rain, snowfall, and occasional heavy downpours through April 9.
Hazards and Precautions
The Met Office has warned of possible landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas and flash floods in parts of Balochistan and Kashmir. With more severe weather ahead, authorities have urged residents, farmers, and travellers to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement, as the risk of flooding, landslides, and storm-related damage remains high.
Analysis: A Pattern of Extreme Weather
The recent spate of rain-related deaths and injuries across KP and Punjab highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan’s infrastructure to extreme weather events. Roof collapses, which have been a recurring cause of casualties, point to the poor construction standards in many areas, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.
The forecast of a new western disturbance bringing further rain, hailstorms, and snowfall in April—a month when winter weather is typically receding—suggests that climate patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. The unusual April snowfall in Balochistan, which has affected fruit orchards, is a concerning sign for farmers already struggling with economic pressures.
As the new spell of rains approaches, authorities face the challenge of preventing further loss of life while managing the cumulative impact of weeks of inclement weather. For the families who have lost loved ones, the rains have brought tragedy. For those in vulnerable areas, the coming days will bring continued anxiety.
