Death toll from countrywide rain-related incidents jumps to 22

ISLAMABAD: At least 22 people have been killed in incidents triggered by heavy downpours across the country over the past two days, Geo News reported.

Intermittent monsoon rains continue in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy rain lashed Faisalabad, Gujrat and Gujranwala, after which several low-lying areas were inundated by stormwater.

Three of a family including a minor died after the wall of their house collapsed in a katchi abadi in Islamabad. Three minors drowned in a stormwater drain in Mianwali, taking the death toll from rain-related incidents to 22 since the last three days.

In Charsadda, dozens of mud houses collapsed in the wake of heavy rain, coupled with strong winds.

Rains claim at least 16 lives across country so far

Water level at near-full capacity at Tarbela, Mangla dams

A heavy downpour in Gilgit-Baltistan forced authorities to issue a red alert, warning of a major flood. The GB Disaster Management Authority has advised citizens residing in areas close to rivers and streams, or in low-lying vicinities, to remain alert.

Traffic remains suspended on the Gilgit-Skardu road following Wednesday's landslides at six different locations.

In Balochistan, rains continue in Zhob, Moosakhel, Loralai, Kohlu, Barkhan and Koh-e-Suleiman areas, which has triggered a flood situation in tributaries originating from Koh-e-Suleiman.

Flash floods affected the Loralai-DG Khan and Zhob-DI Khan national highway at various locations.

Sporadic showers continued in Kashmir on Thursday; however the flow of rivers in the valley was said to be normal, for now. 

The Met Office has forecast another four-day rain spell from coming Sunday.