Heavy rain triggers urban flooding in Peshawar, roads submerged

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Peshawar and its surrounding areas were lashed by torrential rains, resulting in severe urban flooding that left multiple neighbourhoods submerged.

The downpour transformed streets into water channels, disrupting transport and paralysing routine life across the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Roads in several parts of the city, including GT Road, Ashraf Road, Kohati, Hashtnagri, Sikandarpura, Gulhar, Warsak Road, Nasir Bagh Road and Regi Model Town, were reported inundated. Vehicles waded through knee-deep water as drainage systems struggled to cope with the volume.

The Meteorological Department recorded the heaviest rainfall in Cherat at 165 millimetres, while Peshawar city received 41 millimetres and the airport area 35 millimetres. Weather experts have warned that the spell of rain may continue across the province until 3 or 4 September.

Relief operations

Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Asfandyar Khattak, visited affected areas to review the situation. He assured residents of maximum possible support while overseeing on-ground efforts.

According to a PDMA report, the DG inspected ongoing rescue and dewatering operations, with clearance work in full swing. Teams monitored flood-hit sites closely to ensure timely relief and safety for residents.

Rescue efforts

The PDMA spokesperson confirmed that over 50 dewatering pumps and other heavy machinery had been deployed across inundated zones. District administrations, alongside relevant departments, are working to accelerate water drainage.

The spokesperson further stated that DG Rescue and DG PDMA are jointly supervising relief operations, aiming to provide swift assistance to citizens in distressed areas.