Over 20 Killed in Fresh Monsoon Rains Across Pakistan, Over 657 Dead Since June
The devastating monsoon season in Pakistan continues to wreak havoc, with more than 20 new fatalities reported just recently, escalating the death toll to almost 700 since June. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), since June 26, rain-related incidents have claimed at least 657 lives. The relentless downpours have resulted in furious flash floods, destructive landslides, and widespread havoc across the nation’s provinces.
The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has suffered the greatest losses, accounting for 390 fatalities—288 men, 59 children, and 43 women. In Punjab, the death toll stands at 164, with children being the most affected. Sindh has recorded 28 deaths, while Gilgit-Baltistan has reported 32, and Balochistan has seen 20 fatalities. Meanwhile, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and the Islamabad Capital Territory have documented 15 and eight deaths, respectively. Despite ongoing rescue and relief initiatives, the magnitude of destruction has left thousands grappling with displacement, injuries, and a loss of livelihood. Authorities are maintaining a high alert status as more rainfall is predicted, heightening concerns about potential flooding.
Karachi Paralysed By Flooding
Karachi, the southern port city and commercial center of Pakistan, is currently enduring one of the most severe urban flooding events in recent years. On Tuesday alone, torrential rains led to the deaths of at least six people, submerging entire neighborhoods and bringing metropolitan activities to a halt. The primary causes of these deaths have been identified as structural collapses and electrocutions. The intense downpour caused widespread power outages, leaving various districts in the dark for extended periods, while stormwater drains and sewers overwhelmed residential areas.
Key roads were submerged, stranding numerous commuters who had to abandon their vehicles in knee-deep water. Operations at Jinnah International Airport encountered significant disruptions, with multiple flights experiencing delays, cancellations, or diversions. In response, the Sindh government announced a public holiday in Karachi on Wednesday to mitigate the turmoil, though the residents expressed discontent over inadequate drainage and planning by urban administrators.
The floods have reignited discussions concerning Karachi’s susceptibility to climate change impacts and the conspicuous lack of preparedness by local bodies. With predictions indicating more rain in the days ahead, the city girds itself for ongoing disruptions and health threats from stagnant waters and potential contamination.
Climate Vulnerability and Global Warnings
The lethal monsoon floods serve as a stark illustration of Pakistan’s heightened vulnerability to climate induced crises. Regular monsoon showers frequently exceed the nation’s inadequate drainage systems and frail infrastructure. The 2022 flood catastrophe, claiming over 1,700 lives and incurring roughly USD 40 billion in economic damages, stands as a sobering testament.
Climate experts insist on urgent priorities, such as robust disaster preparedness, enhanced infrastructure resilience, and efficient early warning systems to prevent continuous high death tolls each monsoon season. Global warming has magnified rainfall patterns in South Asia, resulting in increasingly frequent and severe meteorological events.
The ongoing floods pose both a humanitarian challenge and a stark call for comprehensive global climate intervention. Without prompt reforms and synchronized responses, Pakistan risks enduring similar annual calamities that further burden its economy and test the resilience of its population.
Consequently, as more districts across the nation struggle to emerge from the watery devastation, the pressing need for unified local and international climate action cannot be overstressed. It is imperative to augment Pakistan’s defenses against climate-related disasters to safeguard its future and minimize further losses.
Leave a Reply