Rain storm kills six in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region

Rain storms accompanied by lightning have killed six people and injured others in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region, according to reports from the local Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Some of the major affected districts include Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, and more.

These disastrous rains signal a rough start to the monsoon season for the country, as warnings for downpours across the nation are picking up.

The rain came as part of the first spells of the monsoon season, occurring from June 20 to 23, as forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The PDMA had released an alert prior to the storm, warning the community.

Although rain is a key part of the recent KP incidents, there are a variety of weather activities at play. For instance, in addition to heavy downpour, some incidents were caused by strong gusts of wind, thunder lightning, and even glacial flood outbursts. KP in particular is most susceptible to dangers from landslides and glaciers, due to the region’s mountainous landscape.

Weak infrastructure continues to be an ongoing issue for the region. Out of all the damages reported, one common pattern includes property damage, particularly instances of roof or boundary wall collapses. To combat these recurring problems, the KP government most recently made infrastructure a big priority for their new 2025-26 fiscal year budget. New developments are not only aimed at improving everyday life for residents, but to boost tourism in the region as well.

For Pakistan, heavier monsoon seasons coupled with other extreme weather events like high heat temperatures are all examples of the country’s worsening climate situation. In KP alone, alongside heavy rainfall, the PDMA also recently reported various incidents of wildfires in the region.

Currently, the organisation has also put up a warning, emphasising the importance of preparedness in the monsoon season. Some examples of this include avoiding unnecessary travel and preventing kids from playing in the rain.

The region’s Minister for Relief Rehabilitation & Settlement Department, Nek Muhammad Khan, also reiterates the importance of readiness.

“Climate change and shifts in monsoon patterns are posing new challenges for our province causing damage in areas not previously affected. The indications are that extreme events will occur with greater frequency and intensity in the future and we must be prepared for all eventualities,” he said in a statement on the PDMA website.

Mariam Khan is a trainee journalist at Gulf News