Severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc across various regions of Pakistan, leading to the death of at least 30 individuals and displacing thousands. Heavy rainfall, which has persisted for several days, caused extensive flooding, particularly in the southern and southwestern parts of the country.
“The 44-year-old rainfall record was broken in Lahore once again,” said utility officials in Punjab, where authorities tallied six deaths and warned that flash floods were expected in the country’s southern part including Karachi this week.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 children were among the two dozen people who died in the last three days of rains and floods, Anwar Shehzad, a spokesman for KP’s disaster management agency, told Reuters.v
In the province of Balochistan, torrential rains triggered flash floods that submerged villages and farmlands, cutting off roads and communication lines. Rescue operations are underway, with the military and local authorities working tirelessly to evacuate residents from affected areas. However, the efforts have been hampered by the continuous downpour and the challenging terrain.
Sindh province also reported significant damage, with several districts experiencing severe flooding. Karachi, the provincial capital and the largest city in Pakistan witnessed inundated streets and residential areas, causing major disruptions to daily life and business activities. The city’s drainage system struggled to cope with the deluge, exacerbating flooding.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the government would provide all necessary support to those affected. He emphasized the need for urgent relief measures and instructed relevant authorities to expedite rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted more rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further deterioration. Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer places and adhere to safety guidelines.
This tragic event highlights the pressing need for improved infrastructure and disaster management systems in Pakistan to mitigate the impact of such natural calamities in the future.