Heavy rains have caused widespread destruction across various parts of Pakistan, resulting in at least 21 deaths and numerous injuries over the past 24 hours. The rains have triggered floods, landslides, and other incidents in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab.
Regional Impact
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
- Nine deaths reported, including four who drowned in Karak.
- Injuries occurred due to a roof collapse in North Waziristan.
- Six more fatalities were reported in Tank, where flooding and house collapses were prevalent.
Sindh
- One casualty reported by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
- Flooding in Mirpur Khas and Dadu streams caused significant property damage, including cracks in newly constructed bridges.
Balochistan
- The worst affected province with 12 deaths reported in a single day.
- Lightning strikes and floods injured 32 people.
- 263 houses were damaged, with 91 completely destroyed.
- Floodwaters disrupted roads and low-lying areas in cities like Chaman and Sibi.
- High-level floods passed through Bolan River and Nari Headworks.
Punjab
- Areas in southwestern Punjab, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, were on high alert for potential flash flooding.
Government Response
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings for high to very high levels of flash flooding, especially in hilly torrents and local nullahs.
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted continued heavy rains until August 6.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister declared a state of emergency in Upper Chitral due to monsoon rains and glacier bursts, which caused significant damage to infrastructure.
Casualties and Damages
- Torrential rains in Lahore broke a 44-year record with 360 millimeters of rain.
- In Balochistan, 312 acres of crops were affected, and 106 animals were reported dead due to floods.
- Floodwater in various streams and nullahs in KP and Punjab led to extensive damage to houses, roads, and crops.
Emergency Measures
- Local administrations issued flood alerts, advising people to move to safer places.
- Rescue operations and relief activities are ongoing, with authorities on high alert to respond to emergent situations.
- The district government, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and tehsil municipal administrations are mobilized for flood control and relief efforts.
Outlook
- The monsoon season, contributing 70-80% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, continues to pose significant risks.
- Pakistan, identified as highly vulnerable to climate change, faces recurring extreme weather events, exacerbating the challenges for disaster management and mitigation efforts.
The situation remains critical, with authorities urging caution and preparedness as they work to mitigate the impact of ongoing torrential rains and floods.
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