Pakistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of the country as of March 4

Heavy rainfall since Feb. 29 resulted in flooding across Pakistan as of March 4. The worst affected are Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Authorities have confirmed at least 37 fatalities across Pakistan mostly due to collapsed structures, including 28 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. At least 50 others have been injured. The worst affected were the Swat Valley and Khyber District. More than 150 houses were damaged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

Heavy rainfall and flooding in Gwadar Town in southwestern Balochistan Province resulted in five fatalities due to collapsed structures. Authorities evacuated residents affected by floodwaters. At least 700 homes have been damaged. Reports indicate that hindered of people in the town are homeless. Four fatalities and damage were also reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Territory.

Parts of the Karakoram Highway linking Pakistan with China are blocked due to landslides caused by rain and snow. Landslides and debris have blocked roads across northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Gilgit-Baltistan Administrative Territory.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays andairport cancellationss in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.