Islamabad, 7 July, 2023 (GNP): Devastating monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in Pakistan, resulting in the loss of at least 50 lives and causing significant damage across the country. The heavy downpours, which have persisted for two weeks, have triggered weather-related incidents and led to widespread destruction in various regions.
According to the national disaster management official, the death toll stands at 50, with an additional 87 people reported injured due to the severe weather. The majority of the fatalities occurred in the eastern province of Punjab, primarily caused by electrocution and building collapses. However, the Associated Press news agency reports the death toll to be 55.
مون سون بارشوں کے دوران احتیاط ضروری ہے.
محتاط رہیں محفوظ رہیں. pic.twitter.com/fEClal4G2Q— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 3, 2023
In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, eight children lost their lives in a landslide that occurred in the Shangla district. The youngsters, aged between 12 and 15, were playing cricket near a sand rock when it collapsed after heavy rain. The local rescue teams, assisted by the Pakistani army, managed to recover eight bodies, while efforts to find other trapped children are still ongoing.
In Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city located in the Punjab province, record-breaking rainfall on Wednesday resulted in streets turning into rivers and leaving a significant portion of the population without electricity and water. The extreme weather conditions have claimed the lives of 19 people in Lahore due to collapsing roofs and electrocution.
The weather forecast agency has issued warnings of further rain in the coming days, raising concerns about potential flooding in the catchment areas of Punjab’s major rivers, Jhelum and Chenab. The province’s disaster management authority is working diligently to relocate residents living along the waterways, as heavy rains continue to cause rivers to overflow in different areas.
These torrential rains come a year after devastating floods ravaged Pakistan, affecting one-third of the country and causing extensive damage and loss of life. With climate change exacerbating weather patterns, scientists warn that seasonal rains are becoming increasingly unpredictable and intense.
Also Read: Record rainfall causes urban flooding in Lahore
As one of the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of global warming, Pakistan faces immense challenges in dealing with extreme weather events. While the country’s greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low, the effects of climate change are felt acutely, endangering lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Authorities in Pakistan remain vigilant as they work to provide relief and support to affected communities. Efforts are underway to address immediate needs, ensure public safety, and mitigate the long-term impacts of these devastating monsoon rains.