Lightning strike kills 2 Children in KP as Monsoon Season brings storms, flood risk

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s monsoon spell turned deadly in the very start as torrential rains, lightning strikes, and flash floods wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leaving two children dead, several others injured, and damage houses, and public infrastructure. PDMA said two children lost their lives and three others sustained injuries after lightning struck the Zakhakhel area of Bara in Khyber District. Rescue teams shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, while authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation. The worst devastation was reported from Chitral, where relentless rainfall and a cloudburst unleashed powerful flash floods. In Lower Chitral alone, at least 27 houses were damaged as raging floodwaters swept through residential areas. The floods also damaged two mosques, two shops, and a bridge, disrupting daily life and local connectivity. Four vehicles and several motorcycles were also caught in the floodwaters, while officials are still assessing the full extent of the losses. In Upper Chitral’s Yarkhun and Mastuj areas, flash floods damaged a house, multiple irrigation schemes, and canals. Although no casualties were reported there, relief supplies have already been distributed to affected families. At least 2 roads blocked by the floods in Lower Chitral have since been reopened, restoring traffic movement. Emergency response teams from PDMA, Rescue 1122, and other government departments remain engaged in search-and-rescue operations and relief efforts across the affected regions. Authorities said the PDMA Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational and is maintaining constant coordination with district administrations to monitor the unfolding weather emergency. Citizens have been urged to immediately report any emergency through the PDMA helpline 1700. Meanwhile, federal capital Islamabad also witnessed widespread rainfall after days of intense heat and humidity, transforming the weather as cool winds and dark clouds blan