Picture Credit: AFP/AP
Monsoon rains since late June have led to the deaths of over 200 people across Pakistan, including almost 100 children, Geo TV reported on Saturday, quoting the country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The highest number of deaths was reported in Punjab, where 123 people lost their lives.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 40 fatalities, while Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir reported 21, 16, 1 and 1 deaths respectively.
Many of the deaths occurred when buildings collapsed—at least 118 people were killed this way. Others died due to flash floods (30), drowning, lightning strikes, electrocution, and landslides.
In addition to the fatalities, more than 560 people have been injured during the ongoing rains, including 182 children, according to the same report.
Rawalpindi and Faisalabad Suffer Major Damage
Rawalpindi has been severely affected, with flash floods sweeping through residential areas, roads, and marketplaces.
Entire neighbourhoods have been submerged, with water levels reaching rooftops in some parts.
Residents were forced to evacuate quickly, leaving their homes and belongings behind.
Faisalabad has also suffered heavily. Within just two days, 33 incidents led to 11 deaths and 60 injuries, mostly caused by collapsing buildings weakened by the rain.
Heavy rainfall and landslides in Punjab caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
In Chakwal alone, over 450mm of rain destroyed at least 32 roads. Power outages and broken communication lines continue to affect many areas.
The situation may worsen in the north. UN News recently warned of potential flooding from melting glaciers in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The UN News also pointed to how these events expose Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
In 2022, similar floods killed over 1,700 people and caused nearly USD 40 billion in damage.
Pakistan regularly experiences monsoon-related disasters between June and September, often leading to fatal landslides, damaged infrastructure, and mass displacement, especially in overcrowded or poorly drained areas.
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