The death toll from the ongoing monsoon rains across Pakistan has climbed to 279, with eight more fatalities reported in the past 24 hours as a fresh spell of heavy rainfall is set to lash several parts of the country until July 31.

According to the NDMA’s latest situation report, at least 676 people have been injured and over 1,500 homes damaged since the start of the monsoon season on June 28.

Punjab remains the most severely affected province, with 151 confirmed deaths and 536 injuries.

Punjab bears the brunt

The authority said that six of the eight deaths reported in the past 24 hours occurred in Punjab, which also accounted for all 21 newly reported injuries. Punjab, already reeling from severe urban and rural flooding, remains at the centre of the crisis, as further rains threaten to worsen conditions.

The overall toll paints a grim picture of the devastation caused by torrential rains and flash floods. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has so far recorded 64 deaths and 80 injuries, followed by Sindh with 25 deaths and 40 injuries. Balochistan has reported 20 deaths and four injuries.

In the northern regions, Gilgit-Baltistan has reported nine fatalities and four injuries, Azad Jammu and Kashmir has recorded two deaths and ten injuries, while Islamabad has confirmed eight deaths and three injuries.

Widespread property and livestock losses

Beyond the human toll, the NDMA reported significant property and livestock damage. A total of 1,553 houses have been damaged across the country, with 362 homes affected in the past 24 hours alone. At least 374 livestock have also perished due to flooding, adding to the hardship faced by rural communities dependent on agriculture.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of heavy rain across the country. Downpours are expected in KP, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir through the end of July. The NDMA has urged residents of flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and follow advisories.

Relief efforts underway

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas, with support from local authorities, the military, and civil defence teams. However, challenges remain due to inundated infrastructure, blocked roads, and continuing rainfall in some districts.

Monsoon rains are a seasonal norm in South Asia and critical for agriculture, but their impact has grown more destructive in recent years. Experts attribute this to rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage systems, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Environmentalists have called on federal and provincial governments to prioritise investment in disaster resilience, including improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and long-term planning to mitigate future risks.

As more rains loom, the NDMA has reiterated its appeal to citizens to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and follow official instructions.

The authority emphasised its commitment to coordinating nationwide emergency response operations and providing assistance to displaced and affected communities.