Monsoon rains continue to claim lives across Pakistan. In the past 24 hours alone, at least 54 people have died due to heavy rainfall, bringing the nationwide death toll to nearly 180 since the onset of the monsoon season on June 26.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Punjab province has suffered the highest number of casualties. Since Wednesday morning, rainfall has shown no sign of letting up, leading to severe urban flooding in many areas.
In Rawalpindi, a city adjacent to the capital Islamabad, water levels in a local river have crossed the danger mark. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents living near the riverbanks.
An NDMA spokesperson reported at 8:00 AM (local time) on Thursday that 54 people had died and 227 were injured within the last 24 hours. Most of the fatalities occurred in Punjab.
The disaster management agency further stated that since the start of the monsoon on June 26, at least 180 people — including around 70 children — have lost their lives, and over 500 have been injured. In response, the Rawalpindi administration has declared a public holiday on Thursday.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the rainfall may continue through Friday. The government has advised residents in vulnerable areas to stock three to five days’ worth of food, clean water, and essential medicines.
Notably, during the monsoon of 2022, a catastrophic flood submerged one-third of Pakistan’s territory, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,700 people. Many fear a repeat of that devastating memory this year.
Source: AFP.