ISLAMABAD: While rain and windstorms killed at least six people across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities have warned that the impact may worsen, with a fresh spell of rains forecast in the coming days across the country.
The Met office forecast further rain, windstorms and thunderstorms across much of the country over the coming week due to a new western disturbance entering Balochistan and KP on Sunday evening and persisting until April 9.
There are concerns about urban flooding, infrastructure damage and crop losses as well.
In KP, 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.
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.
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 roof 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.
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.
Snowfall in Ziarat
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.
Widespread rain and thunderstorms, with snowfall over mountains, are also 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.
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.
Amir Yasin in Islamabad, Imran Gabol in Lahore, Manzoor Ali in Peshawar and Saleem Shahid in Quetta contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026
